A local tire repair worker has come forward with a chilling eyewitness account of the mid-air helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro that claimed the life of 32-year-old American singer Oliver Tree and five others. The dramatic crash occurred Sunday morning when two helicopters collided over the city’s western zone district of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, sending both aircraft plummeting to the ground. The testimony has provided investigators with a harrowing firsthand description of the tragedy, including one aircraft becoming engulfed in flames and a desperate attempt by a passenger to jump before the final impact.

Oliver Tree, known for his eccentric persona, signature bowl-cut hairstyle, and hits such as “Life Goes On” and “Alien Boy,” was on the passenger manifest of one of the helicopters while in Brazil as part of his ongoing world tour. The popular artist and internet personality was among six people killed in the collision. Firefighters reported that one helicopter crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire that destroyed around 20 vehicles. The second aircraft came down nearby, leaving no survivors according to official reports from Rio’s military fire department.

The tire repair worker, who was near the scene at the time of the incident, described seeing the two helicopters collide mid-air before one burst into flames. In his testimony, he recounted watching in horror as a passenger appeared to attempt to jump from one of the stricken aircraft in the chaotic seconds before the final impact. The account has added vivid and disturbing details to the official narrative, helping authorities piece together the sequence of events in what Brazilian aviation officials have described as a catastrophic mid-air collision.

The crash has sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists and fans worldwide. Tree’s unique style and quirky videos had built him a dedicated global following. He was traveling with others on what was supposed to be a routine transfer when the helicopters collided. Among the other victims were Brazilian producer DJ Lucas Frota, Argentine YouTuber Gaspi, filmmaker Lucas Vignale, and the two pilots. The loss has left the entertainment community reeling, with many expressing disbelief at the sudden death of the vibrant 32-year-old performer.

Investigators from Brazilian aviation authorities are now examining the wreckage, flight data, and witness statements, including the tire repair worker’s detailed observations. Preliminary reports suggest the helicopters were operating in the busy airspace over the western zone when the collision occurred around 9 a.m. local time. The presence of the eyewitness near the tire repair shop has proven valuable, as his vantage point allowed him to observe key moments that might otherwise have gone undocumented in the remote crash area.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about helicopter safety in Brazil, particularly in busy tourist and urban transfer routes around Rio de Janeiro. Officials have grounded similar operations pending a full investigation into possible causes, including mechanical failure, pilot error, or air traffic control issues. Family members of the victims, including representatives for Oliver Tree, have requested privacy as they grieve while cooperating with authorities to understand the full circumstances surrounding the fatal flight.

As the investigation continues, the eyewitness testimony has brought a human and terrifying dimension to the crash that took the life of a rising international star. Oliver Tree’s death marks a tragic end to a career defined by creativity and unpredictability, leaving fans and the music world mourning an artist who always stood out. Brazilian authorities have vowed a thorough probe, hoping to prevent similar disasters in the future. For now, the focus remains on honoring the six lives lost, including that of the American singer whose final moments were witnessed in horror from the ground below.