American singer, songwriter and performer Oliver Tree has died at the age of 32 in a helicopter accident in Rio de Janeiro, according to international reports. The crash occurred on Sunday in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes area, after two helicopters collided, killing a total of six people. The cause of the accident remains under investigation by Brazilian authorities.
Tree, who was born in California, had emerged as one of the most recognizable eccentric figures in the contemporary pop and alternative scene, combining his music with a satirical persona. He became widely known through tracks such as “Alien Boy,” “Life Goes On,” “Miss You” and “When I’m Down,” while his presence on TikTok played a decisive role in spreading his music to younger audiences. Notably, “Life Goes On” has been used in 3.7 million videos on the platform.
The foundation is expected to serve as a long-term funding mechanism for artistic projects, with a horizon of up to 100 years.
Following his death, a previous statement of his has taken on particular significance: that his fortune and future income from his music rights would not go to his family, but to young creators through the foundation “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses.” He had presented the initiative as a long-term funding mechanism for artistic projects, with a horizon of up to 100 years.
Sources: Variety, Zachsangshow