Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
Following the tragic helicopter crash last weekend that claimed the life of Oliver Tree at age 32, the artist’s mother has shared a poignant and deeply moving tribute to her son.
“Our dear son Oliver, you truly made this world a brighter place,” wrote Christine Begin Nickell. “We are so incredibly proud of the man you became. Rest in peace.” The touching message was accompanied by an intimate, nostalgic photograph of a young Tree, captured long before he adopted the signature bowl-cut aesthetic and eyewear that became his iconic trademark.
Tree, a visionary songwriter, producer, and multi-genre performer, was among the six victims who perished in the devastating collision of two helicopters over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, June 14.
At the time of his passing, the Santa Cruz native—born Oliver Tree Nickell—was in the midst of his ambitious World’s First World Tour, which had brought him to South America.
Born on June 29, 1993, Tree carved out a space in the industry defined by his boundary-pushing creativity. From his early 2013 debut EP, Demons, to his breakout success with the 2016 single “When I’m Down,” he was a singular talent whose work eventually secured him a major label partnership with Atlantic Records.
His discography—including studio projects Ugly Is Beautiful, Cowboy Tears, Alone in a Crowd, and his most recent April release, Love You Madly Hate You Badly—showcased his versatility. He leaves behind a legacy of chart-topping successes, most notably the viral sensation “Life Goes On” and his collaborative hit with Robin Schulz, “Miss You.”
Reflecting on his loss, Atlantic Records released a formal statement honoring his memory: “We are devastated by the untimely passing of Oliver. He was a brilliant, inventive force—a true original who forged a unique path in music. He was a cherished colleague and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his creative team, and the fans who were so deeply impacted by his artistry.”
Former partner and alt-pop singer Melanie Martinez also expressed her heartbreak via social media, noting how difficult it is to process the loss of someone with whom she shared such a formative chapter of her life. “He was deeply dedicated to his craft, an aspect of his life I always admired and respected profoundly,” she wrote.
During his recent set at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, Post Malone paused his performance to pay his respects. “Tonight, I want to celebrate the life of a beautiful human being,” Malone told the audience. “He inspired the world with his soul and his creativity. We lost a beautiful spirit in Oliver Tree.”
