Oliver Tree's body has been returned to California after the singer-songwriter died in a helicopter crash in Brazil at the age of 32. The musician died on June 14 while on a world tour for his latest album. A foundation for aspiring musicians will be set up in his honour, according to wishes laid out in his will, a post on his Instagram page said.
Family Sees Out Final Wish
The post read: “Rest in peace Oliver Tree Nickell June 29th, 1993 – June 14th, 2026. Your legacy will live on forever. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shown love, support and has done incredible tributes for Oliver.” It continued: “The constant love, support and positivity is helping the family, friends and collaborators make it through these extremely difficult times. Oliver is now back in California where he can finally rest.
“His legacy will live on through his foundation/endowment named 'Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses' coming soon. This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will. We will make sure his wish comes to fruition so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world, that was his final wish.
“Love you all so much, Oliver would be so proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver …”
Details of the Crash
The musician, known for the track Miss You, was one of six people who were killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro and crashed in the city’s western zone. Recognisable by his signature bowl cut, Tree was also known for his songs Life Goes On and When I’m Down. He released his fourth studio album, Love You Madly, Hate You Badly, in April and was only weeks into his World’s First World Tour – where he had planned to play shows on all seven continents.
Tributes from Fellow Artists
Fellow singers Diplo, T-Pain and Kid Cudi were among those paying tribute after his death. In the wake of Tree's death, social media star Break posted a collection of photographs on Instagram featuring himself alongside the deceased performer. The pair sported Brazilian football shirts while posing on a rooftop. His caption read, "I can't believe you're gone" in Portuguese.
"Mexico was the best start. Europe, North America, Australia I'll see you soon!" Tree had written on Instagram just seven days before his passing. He had uploaded multiple posts from Mexico, largely featuring collaborations with South American social media personalities including Chilean content creator Pollo Castillo and the beloved Mexican pharmacy mascot Dr. Simi.
