Oliver Tree

Oliver Tree Nickell, known professionally as Oliver Tree, was an American singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer whose music moved between pop, electronic production, hip-hop and rock. Born in Santa Cruz, California, on June 29, 1993, he first released music under the name Tree. His online persona Turbo appeared in a 2016 Vine video titled “I’m Turbo,” introducing the exaggerated visual world that would become part of his public work alongside comedic social-media clips and elaborate music videos.

Tree signed with Atlantic Records in 2017 after “When I’m Down,” a collaboration with Whethan, went viral. He followed with the Alien Boy EP in 2018. His debut studio album, Ugly Is Beautiful, arrived in July 2020 and included “Alien Boy,” “Hurt,” “Miracle Man” and “Let Me Down,” singles that received RIAA gold and platinum certifications. A deluxe edition of the album was released in May 2021. Alongside his own headline work, Tree joined The Chainsmokers on selected tour dates and played festival shows.

International recognition expanded with “Life Goes On” in 2021 and “Miss You” in 2022. His second studio album, Cowboy Tears, was released in February 2022, followed by Alone in a Crowd in September 2023 and his fourth album, Love You Madly Hate You Badly, in April 2026. He began his first world tour in support of Love You Madly Hate You Badly on May 30, 2026.

On June 14, 2026, Tree was killed in a helicopter collision over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the age of 32. Five others, including Gaspi, Lucas A. Vignale, Lucas Frota and the two helicopter pilots, were also confirmed as victims by the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro State. The crash brought his world tour to an abrupt end.