Melanie Martinez Pays Touching Tribute to Ex Oliver Tree Following His Death

The singer shared a moving tribute on Instagram, reflecting on their time together and describing him as "a true artist in every way." She says she has been "an absolute wreck" since hearing the news.

Melanie Martinez is mourning the loss of her ex Oliver Tree, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend. The "Cake" singer took to Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a heartfelt tribute in his memory.

"Been an absolute wreck today," Martinez wrote. "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. He was so dedicated to his art which I admired and respected so deeply."

She continued, "I think everyone who knew him will look back at those moments of laughter and joy he so easily sparked. 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."

Martinez closed her tribute with a final, tender message. "He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way. Rest in peace Oliver," she wrote. "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."

The two dated for roughly a year between 2019 and 2020. Martinez had previously shared that they parted on good terms, describing the split as a mutual decision.

Tree, born Oliver Tree Nickell, was one of six people killed in the crash. He had been in the midst of a world tour, having performed in São Paulo on June 6, with a show in Lisbon, Portugal, scheduled for July 1, according to his website.

In a statement, the Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro confirmed the crash and said the investigation was being handled at the 42nd Police Precinct.

"A forensic examination was conducted at the scene, and agents are awaiting the report from the Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents," police said.

"The bodies of the six victims will undergo forensic examination for identification, which will be compared to data in the records of the Air Operations Center," the statement continued. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Beyond Martinez, a number of artists paid tribute to Tree on social media. Kid Cudi wrote on X, "Spoke to Oliver a few weeks ago. This is heartbreaking. A really amazing and beautiful human. [...] Sending all my prayers and love to the families dealing with losses. Oliver we love you, forever."

Singer Bebe Rexha also shared her grief. "I'm in shock. I was in the middle of my CD signing in NYC when I found the news of Oliver Tree," she wrote. "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."

Comedian Whitney Cummings offered a particularly striking remembrance. "Oliver Tree is one of the most talented people on earth and usually that comes with an ego and all kinds of [expletive] nonsense, but Oliver is pure love and the best version of what an artist and person can and should be," she wrote. "There's no silver lining. We lost a giant."