A celebration of life and tribute are being organized for the late singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, a figure whose unique artistic vision and eccentric spirit touched many.
Tree passed away in a helicopter crash in Brazil on June 14th at the age of 32, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of five others. Despite the devastating circumstances of his death, the outpouring of support and remembrance for the singer-songwriter was immense, highlighting the lasting impact he had on his global community.
In the wake of the tragedy, family members shared heartfelt tributes. Tree’s mother, Christine Begin Nickell, spoke publicly about her pride in her son and expressed gratitude to fans for their support during this difficult time. The respect extended to him spanned the music world and beyond, with figures like Post Malone dedicating a show to him, calling him a “beautiful man” and expressing deep affection.
The community gathered online to pay their respects, demonstrating the wide reach of Tree’s influence. Among those who offered condolences were fellow artists and public figures, including Kid Cudi, KSI, Bebe Rexha, and his ex-girlfriend Melanie Martinez.
Beyond the immediate tributes, Oliver Tree ensured that his vision for art would endure through his philanthropic efforts. In accordance with his lifetime plans, his family has announced a celebration of life and memorial service scheduled for July 25th. Due to the desire to accommodate the large number of mourners, the event will be broadcast via a public livestream.
The ceremony is planned to take place at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheatre, an open-air venue on the University of California’s Santa Cruz campus, offering a space for the world to honor his memory. Details regarding how to access the livestream will be announced shortly.
Crucially, Tree established Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses in his memory. This foundation reflects Tree’s core belief that the most valuable way for artists to master their craft is through hands-on creation, rather than formal study. The foundation’s mission emphasizes funding the physical act of making art—allowing recipients to hire help and rent equipment to bring their creative projects to life, without focusing on education or personal expenses.
This initiative ensures that creativity has a potential to flourish, with the fund intended to support creative art projects for at least fifty to one hundred years. The foundation was established using assets Tree directed to be sold, supplemented by donations, ensuring the legacy of his artistic philosophy continues long after his passing.
Oliver Tree, whose real name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was celebrated as more than just a musician; his family described him as “a true artist in every sense of the word.” His music, which included tracks like ‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Hurt’, reflected a profound depth of feeling and a unique perspective on the human experience.
In his final reflections, Tree shared an enduring message to his admirers: “No matter how strange you think you look, no matter how ugly you feel, you are beautiful.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the kind of vibrant, unapologetic spirit he sought to inspire in everyone who knew him.
Credit: NME
