Melanie Martinez has released a statement following the death of alternative pop singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, whom she 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 news broke of the helicopter crash that killed Tree and five other people earlier that day. “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.”
“Everyone who knew him will look back on the moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked,” the Voice alum wrote. “His laughter was so contagious and warm. His ability to creatively lead and take action, with a childlike sense of wonder and awe, was so inspiring. He had such a kind heart and was a true artist in every way.”
Martinez added, “Rest in peace Oliver. I know you’re making the angels laugh. I’ll be here to see what stunts and creative projects you’re planning in heaven. With love.”
Tree, 32, died on Sunday when he was a passenger in a helicopter in Rio de Janeiro. He was killed along with his passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Primm, Lucas Brito Chavez, and pilots Alexandre Sousa and Charles Marsillac.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Martinez was one of several musicians mourning Tree’s death, with Bebe Rexha writing on X: “Shocked…He was so smart. Passionate, talented and kind. So sad. May he rest in peace.”
T-Pain posted, “Thank you for sharing your art and always being different in the best way possible,” while Kid Cudi posted, “I spoke to Oliver a few weeks ago. This is heartbreaking. He’s such an amazing and beautiful human being.”
Martinez and Tree have been dating since around 2020, with the former interviewing the “Life Goes On” artist for Alternative Press in October of the same year. When she asked him to tell him about his favorite celebrity, he replied, “I hate to say this, but she’s literally the most beautiful woman in the world and she goes by the name Melanie Martinez. Please marry me one day and have children with me!”
The pair announced their split the following year, but Tree has since publicly said he struggled with the hate he received from some of Martinez’s fans, even after he begged them to call it quits in 2023.
“Please be kind and stop spreading misinformation,” she wrote on her Story at the time. “We have already said that we ended our relationship on good terms many years ago.”

Source link
