Oliver Tree Reportedly Dies at 32 Following Helicopter Crash in Brazil

Oliver Tree, the genre-blending singer and songwriter known for viral hits including “Life Goes On” and “Alien Boy,” has reportedly died at the age of 32 following a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro.

Authorities said six people were killed when two helicopters collided in midair over the Brazilian city. According to local law enforcement, Tree (born Oliver Tree Nickell) was listed among the passengers on one of the aircraft involved in the crash.

The tragedy marks the sudden end of a career that saw Tree evolve from an internet cult favorite into one of alternative pop’s most recognizable and unconventional figures. Known for blending elements of pop, rock, electronic music, and comedy into a style uniquely his own, Tree built a devoted following through both his music and his larger-than-life public persona.

Long before becoming a mainstream success, Tree cultivated an audience online under the moniker “Tree.” During the early 2010s, he independently released music that circulated widely across internet platforms, helping him establish a dedicated fan base. Among his earliest breakout moments was a cover of Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” which attracted attention from fans and fellow musicians alike and appeared on his debut EP, Demons.

After studying at the California Institute of the Arts, Tree shifted his focus back to recording and releasing music professionally. In 2016, he began unveiling a new wave of material, including the single “Welcome to LA,” which introduced audiences to the eccentric aesthetic that would become his trademark. His signature bowl haircut, oversized clothing, and surreal visual style quickly made him stand out in an increasingly crowded music landscape.

As social media platforms expanded, Tree’s profile grew alongside them. His self-directed music videos, often packed with absurd humor and striking visuals, regularly generated millions of views online. The artist frequently emphasized the importance of creative control, overseeing much of his visual output himself and often speaking publicly about the influence his work had on broader internet culture.

That momentum culminated with the release of his debut studio album, Ugly Is Beautiful, in 2020. The project helped transform Tree from an online phenomenon into a charting artist, propelled by songs that resonated across streaming services and social media platforms. Among them was “Life Goes On,” which became one of his biggest hits and introduced his music to a global audience.

Rather than settling into a single musical lane, Tree continued to experiment. In 2022, he released Cowboy Tears, a project that leaned heavily into country influences while maintaining his trademark humor and unconventional songwriting. The singer famously described the album as “a country album for people who don’t like country,” reflecting his tendency to challenge genre expectations.

He followed that release with Alone in a Crowd in 2023, continuing to explore themes of identity, fame, and isolation while expanding his sonic palette. Earlier this year, Tree returned to his independent roots with the release of his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, issued through his own label, Alien Boy Records.

In recent months, the musician had been preparing for an ambitious international tour. In May, Tree announced what he called “Oliver Tree World’s First World Tour,” a global trek that would take him across multiple continents. The South American portion of the tour began in late May and concluded with a performance in São Paulo on June 6, which would now stand as his final concert appearance.