In a heartfelt message posted to her Instagram Stories, Oliver Tree’s former girlfriend Melanie Martinez paid tribute to the artist following his tragic death in a helicopter crash.
“Been an absolute wreck today,” Martinez, who was in a relationship with Tree from 2019 to 2020, wrote on her Instagram Stories. “It’s really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life with can all of a sudden be gone. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply. I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked.”
Martinez went on to reflect on Tree’s personality, saying his laugh “was so contagious and warm,” while noting that he always carried “a sense of childlike wonder” in both his creative work and everyday life.
“He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way,” she added. “Rest in peace Oliver. I know you’re making the angels giggle. I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re scheming up in heaven. All my love.”
Several other artists also paid tribute to the late singer-songwriter, including Kid Cudi, following the tragic loss of Tree at the age of 32.
“Fuck man,” Cudi wrote. “Spoke to Oliver a few weeks ago. This is heartbreaking. A really amazing and beautiful human. This shit sucks bad. Sending all my prayers and love to the families dealing with losses. Oliver we love you, forever.”
Bebe Rexha also honored Oliver Tree with a touching tribute following the news of his death.
“I’m in shock,” the singer wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “I was in the middle of my CD signing in NYC when I found the news of Oliver Tree. I can’t believe it. We recorded a record together to be on Dirty Blonde. He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Kind. I’m so sad. May he rest in peace.”
T-Pain also paid tribute, sharing a video of a brief moment he shared with Tree when the two met.
“Never will forget this lesson from Oliver or the time we had on @NBRadioPodcast,” he wrote alongside the clip. “Thanks for sharing your art and for always being different in the best way possible. See you on the brighter side.”
Oliver Tree was among six people who lost their lives in a mid-air helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, June 14. Tree was one of five passengers aboard one of the helicopters involved in the crash, while the second aircraft was occupied solely by its pilot.
The other victims have been identified as Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves, Alexandre Souza, and Charles Marsillac.
