Tree died on June 14 at age 32
Credit: John Nacion/WireImage
NEED TO KNOW
- Oliver Tree died at age 32 in a helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro during his world tour
- His mother, Christine Begin Nickell, shared a heartfelt tribute calling him a positive force in the world
- Months before his death, Tree opened up about his will
Oliver Tree's mom is remembering her late son.
Days after the singer-songwriter died in a helicopter accident in Brazil, his mom shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook on Thursday, June 18.
"Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place," Christine Begin Nickell wrote alongside a photo of the singer (born Oliver Tree Nickell) as a kid.
“We are so proud of you. RIP," she concluded of Tree, who was 32 at the time of his death.
Earlier this week, Tree's ex-girlfriend and musician Melanie Martinez paid tribute to him on her Instagram Stories.
"Been an absolute wreck today," Martinez, 31, wrote. "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 continued, "He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply. I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. His laugh was so contagious and warm. His ability to lead creatively and take action while also maintaining a sense of childlike wonder and awe was so inspiring. He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way."
"Rest in peace Oliver," the "Void" singer added. "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."
Tree was among six fatalities in a crash involving two helicopters that collided in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, according to CNN Brazil.
The Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro confirmed the crash in a statement obtained by PEOPLE and said the investigation remained ongoing.
"A forensic examination was conducted at the scene, and agents are awaiting the report from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents," police said.
"The bodies of the six victims will undergo forensic examination for identification, which will be compared to data in the records of the Air Operations Center," the statement concluded.
Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty
Before the accident, Tree was on a world tour and next set to play in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1, according to his website. The tour was in support of his latest studio album Love You Madly Hate You Badly.
In April, Tree appeared on the Zach Sang Show and opened up about the restrictions around his will.
"When I die — I've set it up — my will is set up that when I pass, my family, no one's going to get a penny," the "Miss You" singer said.
"If I have a wife or kids or anything, [they're] not getting a f—ing penny. I'll get my kids through college — that's the agreement. But there's not going to be a silver spoon — they're taken care of 'because my dad worked on some stuff in the 2000s,'" Tree continued. "The idea is, when I die, all the money is going to go back to artists."
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