17/06/2026 13:10 - Entretenimiento
Escena nocturna de helicópteros sobre Río de Janeiro con el Cristo Redentor a lo lejos, iluminación dramática que evoca un tributo memorial, tonos azul oscuro y luces doradas de la ciudad
Just days after the tragic helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro that claimed the lives of six people, including renowned Argentine YouTuber Gaspi and filmmaker Lucas Vignale, a harrowing story has emerged that has moved everyone: that of a survivor who, by pure chance, did not board the doomed aircraft.
Victor Wao, a Brazilian DJ, broke his silence and revealed that he was supposed to be one of the passengers aboard the helicopter that collided on Sunday, June 14, 2026 in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. A last-minute decision changed his destiny forever.
Gaspi (real name: Gaspar Prim Díaz) was a 23-year-old Argentine content creator with nearly 3 million YouTube subscribers. He was part of the popular Argentine YouTube group "Los 5", known for their comedic sketches and challenges. His relatable humor and charismatic personality made him one of Argentina's most beloved internet personalities, particularly among young audiences.
Lucas Vignale, 28, was an Argentine film director and content creator who frequently collaborated with Gaspi and other popular Latin American influencers.
In an open letter published on his social media accounts, Wao said goodbye to his friend Lucas Frotta, one of the six fatalities from the mid-air collision between helicopters PP-MAC and PR-DJJ.
"It was hard to say goodbye to you today, brother. But you will never be forgotten. I promise your dream will live on within us and we will honor it."
The artist explained that Frotta arranged a car for him so he could reach his destination, because Wao had expressed his fear of boarding the helicopter. That seemingly simple gesture saved his life.
"Now I owe my life to you, brother. I don't know what to do at this moment. I love you so much. I will never forget you! Lucas, you were pure light!"
Hours after the crash, the Brazilian producer expressed his anguish over the loss of his friend and described how that last-minute decision was key to escaping death:
"I was supposed to be on that helicopter with you, and at the last second, I didn't go," he revealed with evident pain.
Wao also expressed his sense of helplessness: "I keep wondering if I could have done something to prevent this. I feel powerless knowing I won't be able to be by your side anymore."
Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time: 8:59 AM (local Brazil time)
Location: Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Aircraft: Helicopters PP-MAC and PR-DJJ
Previous Record: PP-MAC had received a fine in July 2025 for lack of documentation
Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has launched an investigation to determine the causes of the accident. Among the lines of investigation is the possibility that this was an unauthorized air transport operation.
The helicopter PP-MAC had already been fined in July 2025 for lack of proper documentation, adding concern about the safety conditions of the aircraft involved.
In his moving post, Wao also revealed that singer Oliver Tree, another of the six victims, was working on a musical project together with Lucas Frotta. A project that, tragically, will never come to fruition.
The community of content creators and artists from Brazil and Argentina continue to express their grief over the loss of these talented individuals, while authorities move forward with the investigation to clarify the circumstances of this tragedy.
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its helicopter tours, offering stunning aerial views of landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. However, this incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations and oversight of these tourist flights in Brazil.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
