The death of Oliver Tree (1993-2026) has shaken the music world. The American singer and songwriter died at the age of 32 in a helicopter crash in Brazil. Two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning, and all six occupants of both aircraft were killed. Among the victims was also the Argentine, 23-year-old YouTuber Gaspi. One of the aircraft crashed into a car dealership in the western zone of the city and caused a fire, which was later extinguished. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
KSI: "You should still be here"
YouTuber and musician KSI, who had recorded the song "Voices" with Tree, was among the first to speak out, according to The Independent. On platform X, he found moving words: "I can't believe I'm writing this. You're only 32. You should still be here. You had so much life ahead of you." Tree was a legend and will "always remain a legend." His closing statement: "I love you, brother."
Tree had embarked on his ambitious "World's First World Tour" just a few weeks earlier, which was to see him perform on all seven continents. The tour schedule included more than 70 concerts in 30 countries. He had performed in Buenos Aires on June 4, and one day before the accident, he shared a video showing him playing soccer in a Brazilian neighborhood.
Melanie Martinez bids farewell to a "true artist"
His former partner Melanie Martinez (31) also broke her silence. In her Instagram story, the singer wrote that she was "completely devastated today." It's hard to comprehend that someone with whom you "shared such a formative and important time of your life" is suddenly gone. She honored his dedication to art and his contagious laughter: "He had such a good heart and was a true artist in every way."
Martinez and Tree were in a relationship starting in 2019. In 2021, she confirmed that they had separated a while before, but the relationship had remained friendly. In farewell, she wrote: "Rest in peace, Oliver. I know you're making the angels laugh."
His will: Not a cent for the family
Special attention is now being paid to an interview Tree gave a few weeks before his death. In the "Zach Sang Show" in April, he spoke openly about his will. According to it, his family is to inherit nothing. The unmarried and childless singer justified this by saying that he did not consider the wealth earned through his music to be his property.
Instead, he wanted to give his fortune back to other artists. To this end, he had established a foundation called "Dr. Oliver Tree's Art Grants for Baby Geniuses," which was to distribute his money earned during his lifetime as well as posthumously. A committee of companions was to decide on the allocation of funds.
Brit Award nomination and a world record
Tree became known primarily for his hit "Miss You," which he recorded together with German producer Robin Schulz. The song reached number three on the British singles charts and earned him a Brit Award nomination in 2024 in the category of best international song. Beyond music, the artist also held a Guinness World Record: in 2020, he built the world's largest scooter (4.16 by 3.13 meters).
