Oliver Tree’s – Christine Begin Nickell posted a heartfelt tribute to her son, Oliver Tree, after the viral pop star died in a helicopter crash in Brazil that left no survivors.
Oliver Tree’s world ended suddenly in Brazil, and the first tribute from his family landed with quiet force on a social media feed.
On Thursday, Christine Begin Nickell—Oliver Tree’s mother—shared a short message on Facebook. “Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place. We are so proud of you. RIP.”
She also uploaded a throwback photo of Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell, smiling wide while holding a dog—an image that sharpens the loss after news of his death in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
The singer, 32, was known in the early 2020s for viral hits like “Life Goes On” and “Miss You.” His death was reported alongside the details of the accident in Brazil: the helicopter carried six people, including the pilot, and crashed into a second helicopter. There were no survivors.
The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro acknowledged the tragedy on X. saying. “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 had been in Brazil as part of his world tour. He previously performed in São Paulo on June 6. He was set to perform next in Lisbon, but tickets for the remainder of his tour have since been canceled.
As tributes spread. another part of his public life resurfaced: after his death. a clip from his appearance on “The Zach Sang” show circulated. in which he said he did not plan for his family to receive his wealth. In the April sit-down. Tree said. “I don’t believe that any of the wealth or the things that get made from it is mine.” He added. “My will is set up that when I pass. my family. no one’s going to get a penny. If I have a wife or kids or anything, not getting a f–king penny.”.
He continued by explaining where he wanted the money to go. “So, I’ve set up a foundation. It’s called Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses. And it’s set up so that, basically the interest generated from my music will take mostly that. But there’s also room for other money. because when I die. my art will continue to have residuals and probably be worth more than it is now.”.
The timing of that intention. and the suddenness of the crash. has left his family and fans holding two truths at once: the private message from a mother who’s proud. and the public statements of a son who designed his legacy with a sharp edge. The helicopter crash has been confirmed as a deadly disaster—six victims in the Southwest Zone of Rio de Janeiro. and no survivors—while the tour that brought him there is now paused. with cancellation already in place for what came next in Lisbon.
Oliver Tree Christine Begin Nickell helicopter crash Brazil Rio de Janeiro Life Goes On Miss You The Zach Sang Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses