Oliver Tree's Mom Shares Emotional Post
The music industry is in mourning following the tragic death of genre-bending artist Oliver Tree, who died in a helicopter crash in Brazil at age 32. Tributes from his mother, record label, and fellow artists like Melanie Martinez and Post Malone highlight his unique talent and profound impact.
The music world is mourning the untimely passing of genre-blending artist Oliver Tree, who tragically died last weekend in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the age of 32. The eclectic singer, songwriter, and producer, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was reportedly one of six individuals killed when two helicopters collided on Sunday, June 14, as he traveled through South America for his "World’s First World Tour."
Tributes have poured in for the unique artist, known for his distinctive persona featuring a bowl haircut and dark glasses. His mother, Christine Begin Nickell, shared a heartfelt message: "Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place. We are so proud of you. RIP," accompanied by a photograph of a young, unadorned Tree. This touching remembrance highlights the personal grief felt by those closest to him.
Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Oliver Tree embarked on his musical journey with the release of his EP, "Demons," in 2013. He rose to wider prominence with his 2016 single “When I’m Down,” which ultimately led to a recording deal with Atlantic Records the following year. Throughout his career, Tree released several notable full-length albums, including "Ugly Is Beautiful" in 2020, "Cowboy Tears" in 2022, and "Alone in a Crowd" in 2023. His fourth studio album, "Love You Madly Hate You Badly," had just dropped in April of this year, shortly before his passing.
Oliver Tree also achieved significant chart success with his music. His track “Life Goes On” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2022, and his collaboration with Robin Schulz, “Miss You,” reached No. 4 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in the same year. Following the release of his most recent album, Tree had publicly announced his departure from Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group, a move he shared in a social media post.
Warner Music Group, on behalf of Atlantic Records, released a statement acknowledging his death: "We are shocked and saddened by Oliver’s untimely passing. He was a remarkable talent—a gifted artist and songwriter who forged a thoroughly unique and captivating style. Oliver was endlessly inventive and a true original. He was a cherished friend to many and a beloved member of our music family. He profoundly loved music and his fans, and his absence will be deeply felt. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Oliver’s family, friends, and team, as well as the families and loved ones of all those affected by this tragic event."
Other artists also shared their grief and admiration. Alt-pop singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez, who previously dated Tree, posted on Instagram Stories that she had "been an absolute wreck" since learning the news. She reflected, "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. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply." Additionally, during his concert on Tuesday, June 16, at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, Post Malone honored Tree, stating, “A gentlemen I knew and was so beautiful, and inspired the world with his art, and just his heart and his soul. Ladies and gentlemen, we lost a beautiful soul named Oliver Tree.”