Melanie Martinez has spoken out following the tragic passing of Oliver Tree, the alt-pop visionary she dated several years ago.
In an emotional Instagram update shared on Sunday, June 14, Martinez confessed she has been “absolutely devastated” since news surfaced of the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Tree and five others earlier that day. “It is incredibly difficult to process that someone who played such a distinct and formative role in my life is suddenly gone,” she wrote. “I deeply admired his relentless dedication to his craft.”
“Anyone who knew him will remember the infectious warmth and laughter he effortlessly brought into a room,” the former Voice contestant continued. “He had a unique gift for blending bold, creative leadership with a childlike sense of wonder. He possessed such a gentle soul; he was a true artist in every sense of the word.”
Martinez concluded her tribute with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest in peace, Oliver. I know you’re up there making the angels laugh. I’ll be here imagining what grand, creative projects you’re dreaming up in heaven. Sending all my love.”
Tree, 32, perished when his helicopter collided with another craft in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Also lost in the accident were passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation.
The music community has rallied to honor Tree’s legacy. Bebe Rexha expressed her heartbreak on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m in complete shock. He was so brilliant, passionate, talented, and kind. May he rest in peace.”
T-Pain paid homage to Tree’s originality, posting, “Thank you for sharing your art and for always daring to be different in the best possible way.” Kid Cudi echoed the sentiment, writing, “I spoke with Oliver just a few weeks ago. This is truly gut-wrenching. He was a beautiful, amazing human being.”
Martinez and Tree were a couple around 2020. During a memorable interview with Alternative Press that October, Martinez asked Tree to identify his celebrity crush. He playfully responded, “I didn’t want to say this, but she is quite literally the most beautiful woman in the world, and her name is Melanie Martinez. Please marry me one day and have my children!”
Though the pair announced their amicable split the following year, Tree had previously spoken openly about the online hostility he faced from some of Martinez’s fanbase. In 2023, Martinez stepped in to defend her ex-partner, posting a message on her Story urging fans to cease the negativity: “Please be kind, and stop circulating misinformation. I’ve told you before—we ended things years ago on good terms.”
