2 hours ago
1
Oliver Tree Dead at 32 After Helicopter Crash in Brazil
Melanie Martinez is sharing her tribute to Oliver Tree.
After the “Life Goes On” singer and five others were killed in a helicopter crash in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, June 14, his former girlfriend shared an emotional note.
“Been an absolute wreck today,” Martinez—who dated Tree from 2019 to 2020—shared in an Instagram Story June 14. “It’s 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.”
The “Pity Party” singer emphasized that Tree (real name Oliver Tree Nickel) was “so dedicated to his art” which she “admired and respected.”
“I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked,” she continued. “His laugh was so contagious and warm. His ability to lead creatively and take action while also maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and awe was so inspiring.”
As Martinez put it, “He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way.”
While commemorating her memories, the 31-year-old expressed hope for peace for her ex.
“I know you're making the angels giggle,” she added. “I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re scheming up in heaven. All my love.”
Tree, who was 32, was one of six who died when two choppers allegedly collided while flying over an electric vehicle yard in the southwest part of Rio, causing at least 20 cars to set on fire at the crash site, local police confirmed to CNN Brazil.
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella
Although he debuted in 2013, the artist gained acclaim with the release of his album Ugly is Beautiful in 2020. At the time, he also became known for his eccentric style, which he attributed as a factor of his success.
“All I did was just show up looking stupid, and I think it’s a mirror that I was setting up of society, and how dumb things have gotten in a lot of ways,” he told Billboard in 2023, “but also experimentation is kind of the birth of invention and trying to make something that hasn’t been done a million times.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·