Oliver Tree’s Body Is Recovered After Deadly Helicopter Crash, Returned to United States

Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree’s body has been recovered following his death in Brazil, and returned to the United States.

“Oliver is now back in California where he can finally rest,” stated a Sunday, June 21, Instagram post shared via the late musician and artist’s Instagram account. The post was the first shared by the account since Tree was killed after traveling in one of two helicopters that collided southwest of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14. He was 32.

The post also paid tribute to Tree via a text passage and carousel of photos. “Rest in peace Oliver Tree Nickell June 29th, 1993 – June 14th, 2026. Your legacy will live on forever,” the post began. “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.”

A foundation to honor Tree will soon be established, as confirmed via the Instagram post. “His legacy will live on through his foundation/endowment named “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses” coming soon,” the passage continued. “This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, 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 post concluded, “Love you all so much, Oliver would be so proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver … ❤️.”

News of Tree’s death broke on June 14 with CNN Brazil reporting at the time that there were six fatalities and Tree’s name was on the list of passengers given to aviation authorities. Authorities later confirmed that all five travelers, including the pilot in one helicopter, were killed.

The Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro said in an X post following the crash, “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 mom, Christine Begin Nickell, addressed her son’s death via a Facebook post shared on Thursday, June 18. “Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place,” Nickell wrote. “We are so proud of you. RIP ❤️💔❤️.”

Nickell’s words were accompanied by a throwback photo of her son holding a dog.

Tree had been touring Brazil amid a world tour. He was scheduled to next take the stage on July 1 in Lisbon and the tour was to continue through October 25, when he was expected to take the stage in Beijing.