Singer Oliver Tree's ex-girlfriend has revealed she is an 'absolute wreck' after learning her former partner was among those on board two helicopters that collided in Brazil, killing all six people.
According to local police, the American singer and comedian was on the list of passengers provided to aviation authorities, though officials have not yet been able to identify the bodies of those killed in the crash.
In a tribute dedicated to Tree, singer-songwriter Melanie Martinez said she was struggling to comprehend how someone she admired and shared part of her life with was suddenly gone.
'Been an absolute wreck today,' Martinez posted to her Instagram stories. 'It's really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life can all of a sudden be gone. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected deeply.'
Tree rose to fame featuring on the song 'When I'm Down' in 2016, with his eccentric hairstyles and outfits quickly attracting an influx of online fans. The California-born musician later cemented his place in the indie-pop genre, with singles 'Life Goes On' and 'Miss You' both breaking into the Billboard Top 10.
'I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked,' Martinez said. '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. Rest in peace Oliver.'
Tree performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 4 and posted a video on Instagram on Saturday showing him playing soccer in a Brazilian neighbourhood. He was due to bring his 'Love You Madly Hate You Badly' tour to Australia in October, with shows scheduled in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
The crash occurred on Sunday morning over Rio de Janeiro when two helicopters collided and came down in the city's western zone, killing all six people aboard, firefighters said. Fernandes de Freitas, a tyre repair worker, said he saw one of the helicopters engulfed in flames after the midair collision and witnessed one passenger jump from the other aircraft before it hit the ground. 'It was terrifying, absolutely horrifying,' De Freitas said.
Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. Tree's management have yet to comment publicly on the crash, though fans and friends have begun sharing tributes online.
'REST IN POWER KING YOU WERE TOO REAL FOR THIS WORLD! GONE TOO SOON YOU WILL BE MISSED! THIS HURTS,' Chet Hanks, the son of actor Tom Hanks, posted. 'I'm in shock. I was in the middle of my cd signing in nyc when I found the news of Oliver tree. I can't believe it. We recorded a record together to be on dirty blonde. He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Kind. I'm so sad. May he rest in peace,' singer Bebe Rexha posted on X. 'Oliver is one of the most talented people on earth and usually that comes with an ego and all kinds of d******* nonsense, but Oliver is pure love and the best version of what an artist can and should be. There's no silver lining. We lost a giant,' comedian Whitney Cummings posted on Instagram.
