Oliver Tree's final wish revealed as team launches foundation outlined in his will
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer-songwriter Oliver Tree’s team announced plans to honor one of his final wishes by establishing a foundation in his name, sharing the news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, June 21.
Coming exactly one week after Tree’s tragic death in a helicopter accident in Brazil on June 14 at the age of 32, the announcement also revealed that his body had been returned to California, where he will be laid to rest.
Oliver Tree’s team announces foundation inspired by his final wishes
In a post shared on Tree’s official Instagram account, his team wrote, “Rest in peace Oliver Tree Nickell. Your legacy will live on forever,” followed by a red heart emoji. The statement continued, “Oliver is now back in California. We are in the process of making one of his final wishes come true, a foundation and endowment called ‘Dr Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses.’”
According to the post, “This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will,” the team explained. They added, “We are committed to seeing this through, so more joy, love and art can be spread into the world. This was his final wish.”
The post also acknowledged the support received, “Thank you all for your love and support during this difficult time. It has meant so much to his family, friends and team,” the statement read, before ending with, “Long live Oliver."
He died on June 14 in a helicopter collision involving two helicopters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and was among six people killed in the crash. The Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro said an investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities stated that "a forensic examination was conducted at the scene, and agents are awaiting the report from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents. 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."
Oliver Tree spoke about supporting artists before his death
Months before his death, Tree had publicly discussed plans for his estate during an appearance on 'The Zach Sang Show' in April. Speaking about his will, he explained that he wanted his wealth to support future artists rather than create inherited wealth.
“I don’t think I’d leave it to my kids, because I think inherited wealth is one of the biggest issues in our country and world,” he said adding, “I’d put enough money aside for them to go to college and have enough for a down payment on a house.”
He continued, “But the rest of my money would go to artists and people making things because I don’t think anybody deserves wealth because their dad worked hard. I think people should have wealth because they worked hard.”
At the time of his death, he was touring in support of his latest album, 'Love You Madly Hate You Badly' and was scheduled to perform in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 1. His former girlfriend, Melanie Martinez, also paid tribute to the late singer.
She said, "Been an absolute wreck today, 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."
