Argentine YouTube star Gaspi and American singer Oliver Tree among six dead after two helicopters collide over Rio de Janeiro
Gaspar Prim, known as Gaspi, and musician Oliver Tree died when their helicopter collided with another over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Five people aboard one aircraft and the pilot of the second perished in the accident.
Accident details
On Sunday, 14 June 2026, at 8:59 local time (13:59 Spanish time), two helicopters collided in mid-air over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One aircraft, carrying five people, crashed into a private parking lot and burst into flames, destroying approximately twenty electric cars. The second helicopter, with only the pilot on board, fell about 100 metres away. Six people died: all the passengers on the first aircraft and the pilot of the second. The mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere, said both pilots were highly experienced aviation instructors. The cause is under investigation by the Brazilian Air Force's Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA).
Victims identified
Among the dead were Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim Díaz, known as Gaspi, and American singer Oliver Tree, 32. Two producers, Argentine Lucas Vignale and Brazilian Lucas Brito Chaves, were also on the flight. Gaspi's age was reported as 23 by several outlets, though one article gave it as 27. He had nearly three million YouTube subscribers and was known for absurdist street interviews and provocative humour. Oliver Tree, with over 20 million social media followers and 11 million monthly Spotify listeners, had just announced a world tour covering more than 40 countries, having performed at Coachella in April.
Gaspi's online journey
Born in 2002 in Argentina, Gaspar created his alter ego Gaspi as a teenager. His videos featured uncomfortable encounters with strangers, irreverent remarks, and a catchphrase "Buenaaas". He never showed his real face off-camera, which fuelled mystery around whether he was merely a character. In 2024 he disappeared from platforms amid emotional struggles, returning in 2025 with a video titled "La vuelta de Gaspi", praised for its meta-narrative and creative staging. In that return, he opened up about the toll the character had taken on his identity.
- Named YouTuber of the Year at Coscu Army Awards
- Disappeared from platforms amid mental health struggles
- Returned with video 'La vuelta de Gaspi'; fought and lost to Perxitaa at Velada del Año 5
- Died in a mid-air helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro
Velada del Año and mainstream recognition
Gaspi gained international visibility through his participation in Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos's Velada del Año boxing event. In the 2025 edition in La Cartuja, Seville, he fought against Perxitaa, losing the bout after a demanding preparation in which he lost more than 20 kilograms. Following the fight, he expressed raw emotion in a video, saying, "No nací para esto" ("I wasn't born for this"). He later said hearing the crowd chant his name made it the best night of his life. The event cemented his bond with the Spanish-speaking streaming community.
Streaming community reacts
News of the crash prompted an outpouring of grief from top influencers.
El Xocas called the death "incredible how unfair life is," remembering him as one of the funniest and nicest people he had met. The Grefg expressed shock and emptiness, while Jordi Wild, who had hosted Gaspi for a deep podcast interview where he shed the character and spoke as Gaspar Prim, found the news hard to believe. La Cobra, who streamed live as the news broke, recalled their conversations before the Velada and praised Gaspi's transformation and character.What an absolute misfortune. What absolute sadness. And what shit is life sometimes. I don't even know what to say. Rest in peace, Gaspi. A big hug to all family and friends.
