Oliver Tree Addresses Viral Death Hoax

Oliver Tree has reportedly passed away after being involved in a helicopter accident in Brazil. He was 32 years old.

The singer, songwriter and producer, known for blending multiple genres, was reportedly one of six people who lost their lives when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (June 14), according to CNN Brazil and the Associated Press.

Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was traveling across South America as part of his World’s First World Tour.

The remaining victims were named as passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim and Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.

Reports indicate the crash took place in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a district located in the western region of Rio de Janeiro. Officials are currently working to determine what led to the collision.

Billboard has contacted representatives for Tree seeking comment.

The California native released his fourth studio album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, in April. Recognized for his trademark bowl haircut and unconventional public image, Tree performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was expected to appear in Lisbon, Portugal, in early July. He also had additional shows scheduled throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and China.

Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree began releasing music with his EP Demons in 2013. His profile grew significantly following the release of the 2016 single “When I’m Down,” which eventually helped him secure a deal with Atlantic Records in 2017.

During his time with Atlantic, Tree released four studio albums: Ugly Is Beautiful in 2020, Cowboy Tears in 2022, Alone in a Crowd in 2023 and Love You Madly Hate You Badly in 2026. Prior to joining the label, he independently issued the album Splitting Branches under the name Tree in 2013.

Among his most successful songs, “Life Goes On” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2022. His first major label album, Ugly Is Beautiful, reached No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020. Meanwhile, “Miss You,” his collaboration with Robin Schulz, climbed to No. 4 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2022.