Melanie Martinez said she was “an absolute wreck” after hearing reports from Brazil that her former partner Oliver Tree died in a helicopter crash following a mid-air collision in Rio de Janeiro. Martinez wrote that it was “really hard to understand” how someo
Hours after reports emerged from Brazil about a deadly helicopter crash, Melanie Martinez posted an emotional message to her Instagram stories on Sunday, June 14. The singer—known for “Play Date”—said she was processing the news that her former partner, Oliver Tree, was presumed dead.
Martinez, 31, described herself as “an absolute wreck,” reflecting on the closeness she shared with the fellow musician. “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. ” she wrote. “He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply.”.
The artist identified as the person involved is Oliver Tree Nickell, 32, an alternative pop musician from Santa Cruz, California. He rose to mainstream visibility with the 2021 album “Life Goes On. ” which built a fanbase on TikTok and marked his debut on the Billboard Top 100 chart. His other well-known track, “Miss You,” appears on his 2023 album “Alone in a Crowd” and peaked at 84 on the Top 100.
According to reports that placed him in Brazil between stops on his “Love You Madly, Hate You Badly World Tour,” Nickell was among the passengers aboard one of two helicopters that went down after a mid-air collision in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morning. The crash reportedly killed six people.
Rio de Janeiro’s Military Fire Department confirmed six fatalities to USA TODAY, saying the helicopters “collided in mid-air and crashed into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a fire.” Rio de Janeiro’s State Civil Police Press Office confirmed an investigation is underway.
Martinez and Nickell reportedly dated from 2019 to mid-2020. A year later, Martinez confirmed their split, saying the breakup was mutual and that they remained on “good terms.” In her tribute after the crash reports, she remembered Nickell’s “contagious” laugh.
“I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. ” Martinez wrote. She added that his creativity stood out to her—his ability “to lead creatively and take action while also maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and awe”—and she said. “He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way.”.
She ended her message with a clear farewell: “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.”
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