Oliver Tree has reportedly died following a helicopter crash in Brazil. He was 32.
The genre-blending singer, songwriter and producer was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (June 14), according to CNN Brazil and the Associated Press.
Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was traveling through South America as part of his World’s First World Tour.
The other victims were identified as passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
The collision reportedly occurred in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
When reached by Billboard on Monday, a rep for Tree’s label Atlantic Records shared this statement: “We are shocked and saddened by Oliver’s untimely passing. He was a remarkable talent—a gifted artist and songwriter who forged a thoroughly unique and captivating style. Oliver was endlessly inventive and a true original. He was a cherished friend to many and a beloved member of our music family. He profoundly loved music and his fans, and his absence will be deeply felt. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Oliver’s family, friends, and team, as well as the families and loved ones of all those affected by this tragic event.”
The California-born artist released his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, in April. Known for his signature bowl haircut and eccentric persona, Tree performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to play Lisbon, Portugal, in early July. Additional tour dates were planned across the United States, Europe, Australia and China.
Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree launched his music career with the EP, Demons, in 2013. He gained wider attention with the 2016 single “When I’m Down,” which helped lead to a deal with Atlantic Records the following year.
Tree released four studio albums through Atlantic: 2020’s Ugly Is Beautiful, 2022’s Cowboy Tears, 2023’s Alone in a Crowd and 2026’s Love You Madly Hate You Badly. Before signing with the label, he independently released the album Splitting Branches under the moniker Tree in 2013.
Among his biggest hits, “Life Goes On” reached No. 7 on Billboard‘s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2022. His debut major-label album, Ugly Is Beautiful, topped Billboard‘s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020. And “Miss You,” his collaboration with Robin Schulz, climbed to No. 4 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2022.
