The body of US singer‑song‑writer Oliver Tree has been returned to California, where a post on his Instagram account said, “he can finally rest.”
The crash that claimed his life involved a collision between two helicopters over Rio de Janeiro a week ago, leaving Tree and five other passengers dead.
In its statement, his family noted Tree’s will included a final wish: to set up a charity named Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses. They pledged to make the wish come to fruition, “so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world.”
The Instagram post also thanked fans for their love, support and positivity during these difficult times, adding, “Love you all so much, Oliver would be proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver.”
Tree was born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, in 1993. He rose to fame in 2016 after his viral YouTube videos earned him an unusual style and a bowl haircut, and he released popular tracks such as “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” and “Alien Boy.”
He had just begun a world tour, playing at his last show in São Paulo on 6 June. The next dates were Lisbon, on 1 July, and several stops in Glasgow, Manchester and London were scheduled for September.
For those wishing to support Tree’s legacy, the family will launch the proposed charity in his name after his burial arrangements. The initiative intends to help bring joy, love and artistic opportunity to young talent worldwide.
