Additional Coverage:
- Famous singer and YouTuber found dead after horror helicopter crash kills six people (themirror.com)
A tragic helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro has claimed the lives of six individuals, including American singer Oliver Tree and Argentinian YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, known as Gaspi. The accident occurred on the morning of June 14 in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a neighborhood in the western zone of the city.
Authorities identified all victims involved: Oliver Tree, 32; Gaspar Prim, 23; passengers Lucas Vignale and Lucas Brito Chaves; and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. The two helicopters collided midair around 9 a.m., with one aircraft exploding on impact and the other crashing roughly 100 meters away. Debris from the crash landed in a nearby vehicle scrapyard on Avenida das Américas, igniting a fire that consumed about 20 vehicles.
Delegate Alan Luxardo indicated that human error is the leading theory behind the accident, though the investigation remains ongoing. The Brazilian Air Force’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) has taken charge of the formal inquiry into the crash.
Oliver Tree was on a world tour and had recently performed in São Paulo, with upcoming shows planned in Europe, including Portugal. Known for his distinctive music style, Tree released his debut album, “Ugly Is Beautiful,” in 2020, followed by “Love You Madly Hate You Badly” earlier this year. Gaspi gained popularity through his YouTube channel, which he started in late 2013.
In response, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and stressed the importance of verifying the status of aviation companies and aircraft before flights. The agency confirmed its cooperation with CENIPA in the ongoing investigation.
This incident follows the recent passing of Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, an online personality known as Jerry Gogosian, who died in São Paulo after undergoing cosmetic surgery. The tragic events have deeply affected the Brazilian and international communities alike.