Oliver Tree's ex-girlfriend Melanie Martinez has shared a tear-jerking tribute after the singer tragically died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro.
The 32-year-old musician was one of six people who lost their lives when two helicopters collided over an electric vehicle yard in the Brazilian city. The crash also claimed the lives of director Lucas Vignale, YouTuber Gaspar Prim (known as Gaspi), DJ and producer Lucas Frota (Lucas Brito Chaves), and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Local police have launched an investigation into the accident, with authorities examining whether human error or air traffic control issues were to blame. The fire department, Traffic Engineering Company, Comlurb, and 31st BPM teams responded to the scene.
Martinez's Emotional Tribute
Martinez, 31, who rose to fame on The Voice, took to Instagram to express her grief. She wrote: "It's really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life with can all of a sudden be gone."
She added: "He was so dedicated to his art, which I admired and respected so deeply. I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. His laugh was so contagious and warm."
Describing his creative spirit, Martinez said: "His ability to lead creatively and take action while also maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and awe was so inspiring. He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way."
She concluded: "Rest in peace Oliver. I know you're making the angels giggle. I'll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you're scheming up in heaven. All my love."
Musicians Pay Tribute
Fellow artists also shared their condolences. Bebe Rexha wrote: "I'm in shock. I was in the middle of my CD signing in NYC when I found the news of Oliver Tree. I can't believe it. We recorded a record together... He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Kind. I'm so sad. May he rest in peace."
Oliver Heldens, a close friend, posted a photo of the pair in Tokyo, saying: "I can not believe it... Rest in peace brother, you were one of a kind and you'll be truly missed @olivertree. See you again in another life."
Diplo, another friend, shared memories of Tree, calling him the "brother he never had." He recalled: "When people ask me who my dream collaborator is, I never gave the right answer... It is, and always will be, Oliver Tree."
Diplo described Tree's unique personality: "He convinced me he graduated from clown college and was an amateur belly dancer. He rented a tank just to ride it in a video. He toured Antarctica with me just to play dubstep on the boat as his alter ego, Dr. Oliver Tree."
He added: "When I heard the news today, I hoped it was some elaborate, painstakingly insane way to drop a new song. But it wasn't. My friend crashed in a helicopter."
Investigation Underway
The Brazilian Air Force confirmed that investigators from the Third Regional Service for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents were called to the scene in Recreio dos Bandeirantes. They are applying specific techniques for data collection, evidence preservation, and gathering other information necessary for the investigation.
