Oliver Tree Memorial Service Set for July 25, to Be Livestreamed for Fans

A memorial service and celebration of life for Oliver Tree, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is scheduled for July 25. The incident, which occurred on June 14, claimed the lives of six individuals. Due to limited space for family and friends, a public livestream of the service will be available, as confirmed by a representative for the artist.

Venue and Livestream Details

The memorial will take place at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheater, an outdoor venue situated on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. While specific details regarding the livestream are yet to be announced, updates are expected to be shared shortly.

Oliver Tree’s Legacy

Born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, the artist was only 32 years old at the time of his passing. He was traveling through South America as part of his World’s First World Tour. The other victims of the crash included passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

Tree’s fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, was released in April through Atlantic Records. His last live performance took place in São Paulo on June 6.

In a recently released obituary, Tree is remembered as “more than a musician; he was a true artist in every sense of the word, seeing the world as a stage for his performance art.” The tribute highlights his deep commitment to spreading art, joy, laughter, and love. It notes that he blended his characters seamlessly with his authentic self, often leaving audiences questioning what was real or a prank. His mantra, “Ugly Is Beautiful,” was a recurring theme both on and off stage.

Musical Achievements

Among Tree’s notable accomplishments, his debut major-label album, Ugly Is Beautiful, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020. His collaboration with Robin Schulz, “Miss You,” climbed to No. 4 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2022. Additionally, Tree’s song “Life Goes On” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard‘s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart the same year.

Tree’s family has requested that donations be made in his honor to his foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses. This initiative, which Tree outlined in his will, aims to support and encourage young artists in pursuing their dreams. The foundation’s mission statement emphasizes that Oliver believed the most valuable way for artists to master their craft was through hands-on experience. Grants are available for artists working in music, film, installation, and performance art. More information can be found at the foundation’s official website.

Obituary Highlights

Oliver Tree Nickell is remembered as a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He passed away on June 14, 2026, in a tragic accident. Known for his multifaceted talents, he was an artist, storyteller, singer, songwriter, producer, director, editor, actor, filmmaker, entertainer, traveler, and creative force. He had recently performed in São Paulo as part of his global tour.

From a young age, Tree exhibited a relentless creative drive. He began producing skits, music, and drawings at the age of five. His diverse interests included BMX racing, DJing, and performing under the name “Kryph.” At 17, he signed with R&S Records, releasing his first official work, Splitting Branches. He later graduated from the California Institute of the Arts in 2017, where he developed the “Oliver Tree” project.

In 2016, he introduced the character “Turbo,” a vibrant persona that resonated with audiences. His first single as Oliver Tree, “When I’m Down,” achieved significant success, earning a gold certification. After signing with Atlantic Records in 2017, he released the viral hit “Alien Boy,” which encapsulated the essence of his brand. His debut album, Ugly Is Beautiful, reached the top 15 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Rock Albums and Alternative Albums charts.

Tree’s artistic evolution continued with each album, featuring distinct characters from his universe. His final album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, released in 2026, marked a departure from his personas, showcasing his true self.

Global Impact

Oliver Tree’s curiosity about the world led him to visit over 100 countries in the past two years. He immersed himself in local cultures, participated in ceremonies, and recorded music globally. His adventures included sailing in Antarctica and becoming an honorary Maasai tribal chief in Tanzania.

More than just a musician, Tree was a true artist who sought to unite the world through his work. He founded a non-profit organization aimed at funding aspiring artists across various disciplines. His commitment to spreading joy and creativity was evident in his performances and interactions with fans.

Tree is survived by his parents, Jesse and Christine Nickell, his brother Jessup, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends worldwide. He considered his team and collaborators as family, expressing gratitude for their support in realizing his vision.

His mantra, often shared during performances, resonates deeply: “No matter how strange you think you look, no matter how ugly you feel, you are beautiful.”

As reported by www.billboard.com.

Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.

Published on 2026-06-27 20:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk