RAW FOOTAGE: Tragic Mid-Air Helicopter Collision in Rio de Janeiro Kills American Musician Oliver Tree and Five Others

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — In a horrifying aviation disaster that unfolded Sunday morning, two helicopters collided mid-air over the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in southwest Rio de Janeiro, plunging into a car dealership lot and sparking a massive fireball that killed all six people aboard.

Among the victims was popular American musician Oliver Tree, 32, whose death has sent shockwaves through the music world. The eccentric alt-pop artist, known for hits like "Hurt" and "Miss You," platinum records, and his signature quirky style, was in Brazil as part of his ongoing world tour.

Dramatic video captured the moment of the collision, showing the aircraft tangling in the sky before spiraling down in pieces. Thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage as flames engulfed parked electric vehicles at what reports describe as a BYD dealership on Avenida das Américas.

One helicopter carried five people, including Tree, while the second had only its pilot. Brazilian authorities identified the victims as Tree (real name Oliver Tree Nickell), along with pilot Alexandre Souza, passengers Lucas Brito Chaves, Lucas Vignale, Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim (also known as Gaspi), and the second pilot, Charles Marsillac.

The crash occurred around 9 a.m. local time. Debris rained down as the helicopters impacted the ground, destroying or damaging about 20 vehicles and triggering a fierce blaze. Firefighters responded quickly, but there were no survivors.

Tree had performed in São Paulo earlier in the month and was reportedly filming or sightseeing with friends at the time of the incident, with cameras found among the wreckage.

Tributes poured in quickly for Tree, whose unique persona and high-energy performances earned him a dedicated global fanbase. Fellow artists and fans expressed disbelief at the sudden loss of the 32-year-old star, who was scheduled to continue his tour in Europe.