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Melanie Martinez dedicated a moving farewell to her ex-boyfriend Oliver Tree – and recalls his “soft heart” and that he was “a true artist in every respect”. Tree died on Sunday.
Tree, real name Oliver Tree Nickell and best known for the viral songs “Life Goes On” and “Alien Boy”, died when two helicopters collided over Rio de Janeiro. He was 32 years old – one of six people who died.
Martinez was shocked by the news. The two had a relationship between 2019 and 2020; Martinez said at the time that they separated by mutual consent and remained on good terms.
Martinez’s farewell on Instagram
“Today I was an absolute wreck,” Martinez wrote in an Instagram story. “It’s really hard to understand how someone with whom you once shared such a special and formative time can suddenly just not be there anymore. He was so dedicated to his art – I deeply admired and respected that.”
“I think everyone who knew him will always remember those moments of laughter and joy that he so effortlessly sparked,” she continued. “His laugh was so infectious and warm. The way he could lead and act creatively while maintaining that childlike curiosity and wonder – it was incredibly inspiring. He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way.”
She concluded by saying, “Rest in peace, Oliver. I know you make the angels laugh. I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re cooking up in heaven.”
Last appearance in South America
Nickell had traveled to Rio de Janeiro after a concert in São Paulo, Brazil – to conclude the South American leg of his first world tour. The next planned appearance would have been in Europe in July.
Kid Cudi, T-Pain and Bebe Rexha also reacted to Nickell’s death. “Fuck man,” Kid Cudi wrote on
“I was in the middle of my CD signing in NYC when I heard the news about Oliver Tree,” wrote Bebe Rexha, among other things. “We recorded a song together that was supposed to appear on Dirty Blonde. He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Friendly. I’m so sad. May he rest in peace.”