Oliver Tree’s mother shares heartbreaking post

Oliver Tree’s mother has paid a short but beautiful tribute to her 32-year-old son, who died in a helicopter crash over the weekend.

“Our beloved son Oliver, you made this world a better place,” Tree’s mother, Christine Biggin Nickel, wrote. “We are so proud of you. Rest in peace,” the message continued, along with three heart emojis. The post is accompanied by a photo of a young, glowing tree without the bowl-shaped haircut and dark glasses that the artist wore like everyone else.

Tree, a genre-blending singer, songwriter and producer, was one of six people reportedly killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last Sunday (June 14).

The eclectic artist, whose full name is Oliver Tree Nickell, was traveling through South America as part of his first world tour.

Born on June 29, 1993 in Santa Cruz, California, Tree began his music career in 2013 with the EP Demons. His 2016 single “When I’m Down” attracted attention, leading to a contract with Atlantic Records the following year.

His full-length albums include 2020’s Ugly Is Beautiful, 2022’s Cowboy Tears, 2023’s Alone in a Crowd, and his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, released in April of this year. He had several hits during his lifetime, including “Life Goes On,” which peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2022, and “Miss You,” a collaboration with Robin Schulz that charted on the 2022 Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

After the release of his latest album, Tree announced that he was parting ways with Warner Music Group’s record label Atlantic Records, dressing down the record company in a social post.

On Monday, major music companies released statements regarding his death. The message read: “We are shocked and saddened by Oliver’s untimely passing.” “He was an exceptionally gifted artist and songwriter who developed a style that was completely unique and captivating. Oliver was infinitely original and a true original. He was a dear friend to many and a beloved member of our musical family. He truly loved his music and his fans and will be deeply missed. We extend our deepest condolences to Oliver’s family, friends, team, and the families and loved ones of everyone affected by this tragic event.”

Melanie Martinez has released a statement of her own regarding Tree, whom the alt-pop singer-songwriter dated several years ago. In a post on her Instagram Story on Sunday (June 14), Martinez began by writing that she had been “absolutely devastated” since receiving the news of the fatal accident. “It’s really hard to understand how someone with whom you shared such a tangible and formative time in your life could suddenly be gone,” she said. “He was very dedicated to his art, which I really admired and admired.”

And during a concert at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium on Tuesday, June 16, Post Malone said, “I feel like tonight is a celebration of the life of a really beautiful, beautiful man for me.” “The gentleman I knew was very beautiful and inspired the world with his art and his heart and soul. Ladies and gentlemen, we have lost a beautiful soul named Oliver Tree.”