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Oliver Tree Dies in Brazil Helicopter Crash; Girlfriend Calls for Privacy and End to Gossip
American singer‑songwriter Oliver Tree (32) was killed in a helicopter collision over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The incident, which also claimed five other passengers, has prompted an investigation by Brazilian aviation authorities.
Tree was on a world tour supporting his fourth studio album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, when the two helicopters collided in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood of Rio’s Southwest Zone. According to the Associated Press and CNN Brazil, the aircraft were flying over an electric‑vehicle yard when the crash occurred. At least 20 cars were set ablaze after being struck, and all six occupants died.
The victims included Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspi, Argentine director Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. The crash is under investigation to determine whether human error, air‑traffic‑control issues, or mechanical failure contributed to the mid‑air collision.
Tree first gained online attention as the eccentric Vine personality “Turbo.” He signed with Atlantic Records after his 2017 single “When I’m Down” went viral. His debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), and subsequent releases—Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly, Hate You Badly (2026)—earned him a global fan base and chart success.
In a 2024 interview with podcast host Zach Sang, Tree revealed that he had set up a foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, to receive the interest generated from his music after his death. He stated that the foundation’s proceeds would be distributed by a committee he would appoint, with the aim of supporting emerging artists.
Tree’s girlfriend, fashion stylist Fiona Chernavskaya, took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her grief. She wrote, “I’m mourning my partner and best friend,” and thanked followers for their support. Chernavskaya also requested privacy, noting that her relationship with Tree had been “very intimate.” She added, “What I really don’t need is to see gossip about other women that Oliver may have been seeing. We were monogamous. Right now I’m mourning my partner and best friend, anything else is unimportant. Please have some respect.”
Chernavskaya had previously posted a carousel of photos with Tree on Instagram, describing their travels to 43 countries and all seven continents. She referred to him as her “best friend” and said, “The magic, inspiration and joy you brought to my life and others, will never be forgotten or replaced.”
The crash has drawn attention to the safety of tour‑related helicopter travel. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not yet released a definitive cause. The incident underscores the risks that touring artists face when relying on private air transport.
Tree’s estate plan, as disclosed in earlier interviews, indicates that he intended to leave no money to his family. Instead, the foundation he established would manage the residuals from his music. The plan reflects Tree’s desire to support future creatives rather than relatives.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by Atlantic Records or Tree’s management regarding the crash. The music community has expressed condolences on social media, and several artists have posted tributes.
The investigation into the collision remains active. Brazilian aviation authorities have called for cooperation from all parties involved to determine the exact sequence of events. The outcome of the inquiry may influence future regulations on helicopter operations in urban areas.
In the wake of Tree’s death, fans and industry observers are awaiting further details on the investigation, the status of his touring schedule, and the implementation of his estate plan. The music world continues to mourn the loss of a distinctive artist whose work crossed genre boundaries and whose legacy will now be carried forward by the foundation he created.
Tree was on a world tour supporting his fourth studio album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, when the two helicopters collided in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood of Rio’s Southwest Zone. According to the Associated Press and CNN Brazil, the aircraft were flying over an electric‑vehicle yard when the crash occurred. At least 20 cars were set ablaze after being struck, and all six occupants died.
The victims included Tree, Argentine YouTuber Gaspi, Argentine director Lucas Brito Chaves, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. The crash is under investigation to determine whether human error, air‑traffic‑control issues, or mechanical failure contributed to the mid‑air collision.
Tree first gained online attention as the eccentric Vine personality “Turbo.” He signed with Atlantic Records after his 2017 single “When I’m Down” went viral. His debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), and subsequent releases—Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly, Hate You Badly (2026)—earned him a global fan base and chart success.
In a 2024 interview with podcast host Zach Sang, Tree revealed that he had set up a foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, to receive the interest generated from his music after his death. He stated that the foundation’s proceeds would be distributed by a committee he would appoint, with the aim of supporting emerging artists.
Tree’s girlfriend, fashion stylist Fiona Chernavskaya, took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her grief. She wrote, “I’m mourning my partner and best friend,” and thanked followers for their support. Chernavskaya also requested privacy, noting that her relationship with Tree had been “very intimate.” She added, “What I really don’t need is to see gossip about other women that Oliver may have been seeing. We were monogamous. Right now I’m mourning my partner and best friend, anything else is unimportant. Please have some respect.”
Chernavskaya had previously posted a carousel of photos with Tree on Instagram, describing their travels to 43 countries and all seven continents. She referred to him as her “best friend” and said, “The magic, inspiration and joy you brought to my life and others, will never be forgotten or replaced.”
The crash has drawn attention to the safety of tour‑related helicopter travel. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not yet released a definitive cause. The incident underscores the risks that touring artists face when relying on private air transport.
Tree’s estate plan, as disclosed in earlier interviews, indicates that he intended to leave no money to his family. Instead, the foundation he established would manage the residuals from his music. The plan reflects Tree’s desire to support future creatives rather than relatives.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by Atlantic Records or Tree’s management regarding the crash. The music community has expressed condolences on social media, and several artists have posted tributes.
The investigation into the collision remains active. Brazilian aviation authorities have called for cooperation from all parties involved to determine the exact sequence of events. The outcome of the inquiry may influence future regulations on helicopter operations in urban areas.
In the wake of Tree’s death, fans and industry observers are awaiting further details on the investigation, the status of his touring schedule, and the implementation of his estate plan. The music world continues to mourn the loss of a distinctive artist whose work crossed genre boundaries and whose legacy will now be carried forward by the foundation he created.
