Melanie Martinez is remembering Oliver Tree with warmth after the singer was reported among the victims of a fatal helicopter crash in Brazil.
Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was 32. Several outlets reported that he was among six people killed after two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on June 14.
Page Six reported that Martinez, who dated Tree from 2019 to 2020, shared an emotional Instagram tribute calling him a “true artist.”
She remembered Tree’s creativity, humor and softer side behind the eccentric public image fans knew from his music videos, live shows and internet persona.
Martinez Remembered His Kindness and Creativity
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Just Jared reported that Martinez shared the tribute on her Instagram Story on Sunday, June 14, and added Tree’s song “Introspective” to the post.
“Been an absolute wreck today,” Martinez wrote, according to the outlet. She said it was hard to understand how someone who had shared such a “specific and formative time” in her life could suddenly be gone.
Martinez also praised Tree’s dedication to his work. Just Jared reported that she described him as deeply committed to his art, remembered his laugh as warm and contagious, and said he had “such a soft heart” and was “a true artist in every way.”
The singers were publicly linked in 2019 and later split. Just Jared reported that Martinez confirmed in 2021 that they had broken up some time earlier and remained on good terms.
Other Artists and Fans Shared Tributes
Page Six reported that several public figures joined the mourning online, including Bebe Rexha and Whitney Cummings. Their messages remembered Tree’s originality, humor and distinct place in the internet-pop era.
Tree built a following through songs including “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” and “Alien Boy,” but his image became just as recognizable as his music. His bowl cut, oversized clothes, scooter stunts and surreal videos made him stand out in a crowded pop landscape.
The Guardian reported that Tree had more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify and that his top songs had been streamed more than 700 million times. The outlet also noted that he was nominated for a 2024 Brit Award with German producer Robin Schulz for “Miss You.”
The Crash Remains Under Investigation
The crash happened in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone near Recreio dos Bandeirantes. The Guardian reported that two helicopters collided midair and crashed near an electric car dealership, setting about 20 cars on fire.
The outlet reported that Tree was listed on the flight manifest, but that the victims could not yet be formally identified at the time because of the severity of the burns. The Associated Press also reported that police said Tree was on the passenger list given to aviation authorities, while officials had not yet identified the bodies at the time of that report.
Officials said an investigation was underway to determine what caused the collision. The Guardian reported that one helicopter was carrying five people and the other was carrying only its pilot.
Tree had been in Brazil as part of a world tour. The Guardian reported that he had performed in Buenos Aires on June 4 and shared a video from Brazil on Saturday, one day before the crash.