Oliver Tree’s body has been recovered after his death in Brazil following a helicopter crash, and he has been returned to the United States, according to a June 21 Instagram post from his account. The post also announced plans for a foundation/endowment honori
Oliver Tree is now back on American soil.
On Sunday, June 21, an Instagram post shared via the late musician and artist’s Instagram account said his body had been recovered after his death in Brazil and returned to the United States. “Oliver is now back in California where he can finally rest,” the post stated.
The message came after Tree was killed on Sunday, June 14, during a collision involving two helicopters southwest of Rio de Janeiro. He was 32.
The June 21 post was the first shared by the account since Tree’s death. It included a tribute that paired a written passage with a carousel of photos. The post began with: “Rest in peace Oliver Tree Nickell June 29th, 1993 – June 14th, 2026. Your legacy will live on forever.”
It then addressed the outpouring after the crash: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shown love, support and has done incredible tributes for Oliver. The constant love, support and positivity is helping the family, friends and collaborators make it through these extremely difficult times.”
The tribute also looked ahead to something concrete meant to outlast the grief. A foundation to honor Tree will be established. with the Instagram post describing it as “His legacy will live on through his foundation/endowment named “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses” coming soon.” The passage added that this was something Tree had put together before his passing and that it was written in his will. “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 account closed 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’s death had first broken on June 14. At the time. reporting said there were six fatalities from the crash and that Tree’s name was among passengers listed to aviation authorities after the collision in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Authorities later confirmed that all five travelers, including the pilot in one helicopter, were killed.
After the crash. the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro posted in an X update: “We express our deep sorrow for the six victims resulting from the accident involving two aircraft in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro. In this moment of pain. I express my solidarity to the family members and friends of the victims of the tragedy.”.
Tree’s family also shared their grief publicly in the days that followed. On Thursday, June 18, his mother, Christine Begin Nickell, addressed his death via a Facebook post. “Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place,” Nickell wrote. “We are so proud of you. RIP ❤️💔❤️.” Her words came alongside a throwback photo of her son holding a dog.
Even as the tragedy unfolded. Tree’s schedule—set in motion before the crash—underscored how close the next stop was. He had been touring Brazil amid a world tour. and was next expected to take the stage on July 1 in Lisbon. The tour was set to continue through October 25, when he was expected to take the stage in Beijing.
Oliver Tree Oliver Tree body recovered returned to U.S. California Brazil helicopter crash Rio de Janeiro June 14 2026 June 21 Instagram post Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses Christine Begin Nickell
Wait so they found his body already? Damn.
This headline makes it sound like he just came back like normal, but it’s still awful. “Can finally rest” is so sad. Also that foundation name is… a lot lol.
I’m confused though, how did they decide the body was his and then fly it back that fast? Like Brazil to California, that’s gotta be a whole process. And helicopter crash southwest of Rio?? I feel like people rush to conclusions on these things and then everyone just repeats it.
Not gonna lie the “foundation/endowment” thing feels kind of random right after the crash, like ok money/grants coming soon but everybody’s already grieving. That grant name sounds like a joke from a TikTok kid not a will. Also Oliver Tree was 32 right? I thought he was older for some reason.