Singer Oliver Tree dies in helicopter crash at age 32

Oliver Tree Nickell, the American singer-songwriter known for his eclectic style and chart-topping hits, has tragically passed away at the age of 32. His death occurred following a helicopter collision in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a neighborhood in the southwest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Reports indicate that this incident resulted in the loss of six lives, including Tree. A media source has confirmed the details of this devastating event, which took place on Sunday morning.

Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree first gained prominence in 2016 with his viral presence on Vine, where he introduced his eccentric alter ego “Turbo.” This persona, characterized by a distinctive bowl cut and oversized retro clothing, resonated with audiences and helped launch his music career. His breakthrough single, “When I’m Down,” paved the way for him to sign with Atlantic Records in 2017.

Throughout his artistic journey, Tree was known for his innovative approach to music and marketing, often employing internet memes and creative trolling to enhance his visibility. His discography includes four studio albums with Atlantic Records—”Ugly Is Beautiful” (2020), “Cowboy Tears” (2022), “Alone in a Crowd” (2023), and his latest project, “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly,” released in April 2023. He also produced an independent album, “Splitting Branches,” in 2013 under the name “Tree.” Tree’s work is marked by popular tracks such as “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” with Robin Schulz, and “Alien Boy,” which helped solidify his place in the contemporary music landscape.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Tree had a passion for directing, often taking charge of his visually imaginative music videos. Some of his most popular videos, including “Life Goes On” and “Miss You,” garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, further amplifying his artistic reach. Beyond music, he also made headlines in 2020 when he set a Guinness World Record for the largest kick scooter.

His last performance was in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 6, part of a world tour promoting his recent album. He was scheduled to continue his tour with an upcoming show in Lisbon on July 1. The other victims of the recent helicopter accident included notable individuals such as Argentine YouTuber Gaspar Prim and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac. As investigations into the cause of the crash begin, the loss of Oliver Tree reverberates throughout the music community and beyond.

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