The body of US singer-songwriter Oliver Tree has been returned home to California, his family said Monday via an Instagram post on his account, which stated that he can “finally rest.”
Tree — born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California, in 1993 — and six others died last week when the helicopter he was riding in collided with another aircraft over Rio de Janeiro. He was 32.
The Instagram statement said the family would be honoring his “final wish” by setting up a charitable foundation in his name. “This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will,” the post read. “We will make sure his wish comes to fruition so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world, that was his final wish.”
The foundation is to be named Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses. The post thanked fans for their “constant love, support and positivity” shown to the family and friends of the musician during “these extremely difficult times,” closing with: “Love you all so much, Oliver would be so proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver.”
Tree first rose to fame in 2016 after going viral on social media. With his distinctive bowl haircut, he built a following around hits including “Life Goes On,” “Miss You,” and “Alien Boy.”
He had just begun a world tour. His most recent show was in São Paulo, Brazil, on June 6. He was next scheduled to perform in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1 and had been due to play dates in Glasgow, Manchester, and London in September.