Melanie Martinez, Oliver Tree Gilbert Flores; John Nacion/WireImage
Melanie Martinez has shared a statement following the death of Oliver Tree, whom the alt-pop singer-songwriter used to date a few years ago.
Martinez began a Sunday (June 14) Instagram Stories post by writing that she’d “been an absolute wreck” since the news of the fatal helicopter crash that killed Tree and five others broke earlier that day. “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 shared. “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,” the Voice alum wrote. “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.”
Martinez added, “Rest in peace Oliver. 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 died at the age of 32 while on board a helicopter that collided with another in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. He was killed alongside fellow passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim and Lucas Brito Chaves and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Martinez is one of several musicians mourning the loss of Tree, with Bebe Rexha writing on X, “I’m in shock … He was so smart . Passionate. Talented. Kind. I’m so sad. May he rest in peace.”
“Thanks for sharing your art and for always being different in the best way possible,” T-Pain posted, while Kid Cudi wrote, “Spoke to Oliver a few weeks ago. This is heartbreaking. A really amazing and beautiful human.”
Martinez and Tree dated for a period circa 2020, with the former interviewing the “Life Goes On” artist in October of that year for Alternative Press. When she asked him to share his celebrity crush, he replied, “I didn’t want to say this, but she’s literally the most beautiful woman in the world, and she goes by the name Melanie Martinez. Please marry me one day and have my children!”
The pair announced their breakup the following year, after which Tree was open about struggling with receiving hate from some of Martinez’s fans — even after she pleaded with them to stop in 2023.
“Please be nice, and stop spreading false information,” she wrote at the time on her Story. “I already told you guys we ended things mutually years ago on good terms.“
