Oliver Tree, the singer behind “Life Goes On” and “Miss You,” has reportedly died in a helicopter crash in Brazil at age 32. For publishers, songwriters, and rights holders, the immediate issue is the loss of an artist whose catalog included charting songs, four studio albums, and an active touring schedule.
Crash Claims Six Lives in Rio de Janeiro
Tree was among six people killed when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, according to CNN Brazil and the Associated Press. The collision reportedly occurred in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s western zone, and authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
The other victims were identified as passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim and Lucas Brito Chaves, along with pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
Touring Across South America Before the Collision
Tree, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, was traveling through South America as part of his World’s First World Tour. He performed in São Paulo on June 6 and was scheduled to play Lisbon, Portugal, in early July. Additional tour dates were planned across the United States, Europe, Australia and China.
Billboard has reached out to Tree’s representatives for comment.
A Catalog That Reached the Charts
Born on June 29, 1993, in Santa Cruz, California, Tree launched his music career with the EP Demons in 2013. He gained wider attention with the 2016 single “When I’m Down,” which helped lead to a deal with Atlantic Records the following year.
Tree released four studio albums through Atlantic: 2020’s Ugly Is Beautiful, 2022’s Cowboy Tears, 2023’s Alone in a Crowd and 2026’s Love You Madly Hate You Badly. Before signing with the label, he independently released the album Splitting Branches under the moniker Tree in 2013.
Among his biggest hits, “Life Goes On” reached No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2022. His debut major-label album, Ugly Is Beautiful, topped Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart in 2020. “Miss You,” his collaboration with Robin Schulz, climbed to No. 4 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart in 2022.
What Comes Next for the Estate and Release Plans
Tree had released Love You Madly Hate You Badly in April and was still in the middle of a global touring cycle when the crash occurred. With additional dates planned and a catalog spread across Atlantic and earlier independent releases, the next developments are likely to center on official confirmation from representatives and any impact on the live schedule.
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