RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL / SANTA CRUZ, CA — The music world and fans across the globe are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Oliver Tree (born Oliver Tree Nickell), the genre-defying singer-songwriter, rapper, producer, and internet personality known for his viral hits, eccentric persona, and unfiltered creativity. Tree, 32, was one of six people killed when two helicopters collided mid-air in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The devastating crash occurred in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood in the southwest zone of the city. One helicopter carried five occupants, including Tree, while the other had a single pilot. Both aircraft collided, crashed into a car dealership parking lot, and ignited a fire. There were no survivors. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.
Tree was in Brazil as part of his world tour promoting his latest album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, released in April 2026. He had been documenting his trip on social media and was scheduled to continue the European leg of the tour in Lisbon the following month.
A Unique Voice in Music and Culture
Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Oliver Tree grew up in a creative household—his parents worked in the circus. He began piano lessons at age three, started songwriting young, and developed an early passion for music and performance. He initially performed under the name “Tree,” opening for acts like Skrillex and Zeds Dead, and released early dubstep-influenced work.
His breakthrough came in 2016 with the viral collaboration “When I’m Down” with Whethan, leading to a signing with Atlantic Records. Tree’s signature bowl cut, colorful ’80s-inspired fashion, and surreal, humorous videos helped him build a massive online following. Hits like “Alien Boy,” “Hurt,” “Life Goes On,” and “Miss You” (with Robin Schulz) blended electro-pop, alternative, and hip-hop elements, often touching on themes of mental health and self-expression.
He released four studio albums: Ugly Is Beautiful (2020), Cowboy Tears (2022), Alone in a Crowd (2023), and Love You Madly Hate You Badly (2026). Tree was also a filmmaker, comedian, and internet personality who cultivated a dedicated cult following through his “Turbo” persona and TikTok presence.
In one of his final interviews, Tree discussed establishing the “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses” foundation, directing his music royalties and earnings toward supporting emerging artists rather than family inheritance.
Tributes Pour In
News of Tree’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, including Diplo, Kid Cudi, Bebe Rexha, Lil Yachty, Flying Lotus, and ex-girlfriend Melanie Martinez, who described herself as an “absolute wreck” and praised his dedication to art. Friends and collaborators remembered him as a kind, funny, and supportive figure whose creativity sparked joy.
Fans and the Santa Cruz community have begun memorializing him locally, with signs placed in honor of the hometown artist. His unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and innovation left a lasting mark on modern pop and internet culture.
Oliver Tree is remembered for his larger-than-life personality, boundary-pushing artistry, and the way he made millions feel seen through his music. Though his life was cut short, his influence and the joy he brought to fans will continue to resonate. “Life Goes On,” indeed—but the world feels a little less colorful without him.
Rest in peace, Oliver Tree.
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