Family of Oliver Tree confirm singer’s body returned to US while launching foundation: “We will make sure his wish comes to fruition”
The family of Oliver Tree has confirmed that the singer’s body has been returned to the US from Brazil, while launching a charitable foundation in his honour.
Tree was one of six people to be killed in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro on June 14th, with local authorities still investigating what caused the tragedy.
The Brazilian outlet O Globo reported last week that the body of the ‘Miss You’ singer was identified using his dental records, but now, his family has also released a statement to confirm that his remains have been returned to them.
Posting a series of pictures to Instagram of the singer, whose real name was Oliver Tree Nickell, throughout his life, they said: “Your legacy will live on forever. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shown love, support and has done incredible tributes for Oliver. The constant love, support and positivity is helping the family, friends and collaborators make it through these extremely difficult times.”
Regarding the next steps, the family said, “Oliver is now back in California where he can finally rest”. However, they also announced the launch of a new foundation named Dr Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses, which they noted would be “coming soon”.
The statement added: “This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will. We will make sure his wish comes to fruition so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world, that was his final wish.”
32-year-old Tree was one of six fatalities involved in the tragic incident, which also claimed the lives of fellow passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, and Lucas Brito Chaves, as well as pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac.
According to various reports, five of the victims were in one helicopter and one pilot was in the other when they collided in the air.
Tree’s girlfriend, Fiona Chernavskaya, had previously paid tribute to the singer on social media last week, when she wrote: “The magic, inspiration and joy you brought to my life and others, will never be forgotten or replaced.”
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