YouTuber KSI has paid an emotional tribute to US singer and “legend” Oliver Tree who is believed to have died after two helicopters collided in Rio de Janeiro.
The American singer-songwriter, who collaborated with KSI on the song Voices and is known for the track Miss You, was listed as being on board a helicopter that crashed over the Brazilian city on Sunday morning, according to the Associated Press.
He was one of six people who were killed when the two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro and crashed in the city’s western zone, firefighters said.
You’re 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make
Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed on a car dealership where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire that was extinguished.
Tree was on the list of passengers handed to aviation authorities, the police have said, but they have not been able to identify the bodies of those killed in the crash.
In a post shared on X, KSI said: “Can’t believe I’m actually having to type this. You’re 32 man. You should still be here. You still had so much life to live. So much music to make. So much content to make.
“You’re a legend and will always be a legend. Still doesn’t feel real. Genuinely feel sick. I love you bro.”
The 32-year old was only weeks into his World’s First World Tour where he had planned to play shows on all seven continents.
He performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 4th, and on Saturday shared a video on his Instagram playing football in a Brazilian neighbourhood.
Tree was due to play more than 70 shows across 30 countries including the UK with dates scheduled in Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.
In 2024 he was nominated for the international song Brit award alongside German producer Robin Schulz for their song Miss You.
The track peaked at number three in the UK singles chart.
In 2020 he broke the Guinness world record for the largest kick scooter, 0.16 metres tall and 3.13 metres long. According to its website the record was broken to “fulfil a lifelong dream”.
Officials said an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the collision.
