Melanie Martinez finally broke her silence Sunday on the passing of her ex Oliver Tree Nickell, who was killed in a helicopter collision in the air over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was 32.
She shared an Instagram story of an intimate snap of them together, along with a written statement, describing herself as heartbroken after losing somebody with whom she shared “a really specific and important piece of her life.”
“Been an absolute wreck today,” Martinez said. “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.”
Martinez and Tree were dating between 2019 and 2021, and their time together also included a creative partnership. Following their amicable breakup, Martinez once asked her fans to stop trolling Tree and harassing him on social media.
In the Instagram post honoring Tree, she wrote about his dedication to his craft, the kindness and warm, infectious way he laughed, what she described as his sense of childhood awe and wonder, and the way he always had a great ability to take charge, be an effective creator, and doer.
“He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way,” she continued in her note. “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 was one of 6 victims to lose their lives Sunday when two helicopters crashed in mid-air above Recreio dos Bandeirantes in southwestern Rio de Janeiro. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro confirmed the deaths to CNN Brazil. 5 individuals were on one helicopter and the pilot of the other was the only passenger. YouTuber and Argentinian Gaspar Prim, also known as Gaspi, 23, was among the victims. The cause of the crash is currently being investigated.
Tree was currently on tour in Brazil and had performed in São Paulo, but was also set to perform in Portugal next.
