Oliver Tree revealed ‘hopeful’ plans for his will months before death

Oliver Tree’s sudden death aged 32 in a helicopter crash has shocked fans, but despite his young age, the singer had clear plans for his will.

The American singer-songwriter died after a helicopter crash in Brazil, with five other passengers also losing their lives.

Tree was an alternative rock artist and social media personality, best remembered for his hit songs Life Goes On, Miss You and ULTRAMAN.

Friends, including Diplo and KSI, have paid tribute to the ‘legend’ and one-of-a-kind creator, praising his unique perspectives on music and art.

A poignant interview from earlier this year has now resurfaced, in which Tree discussed details of his will.

‘I don’t believe that the wealth or anything that is generated from [his work] is mine,’ he said on the Zach Sang Show in April.

‘My will is set up so when I pass, my family, nobody is going to get a penny. If I have a wife or kids or anything, they’re not getting a penny. I’ll get my kids through college, that’s the agreement, but they’re not gonna be a silver spoon.’

Instead, the money will go into his foundation, Dr. Oliver Trees Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, which he planned to set up during his lifetime.

Tree explained: ‘The idea is that when I die, all the money is going to go back to artists.’

The foundation was intended to award funds to artists, with his friends and loved ones deciding the recipient in a vote.

It’s unclear if that dream was fully realised, with no public website for the Dr. Oliver Trees Art Grants for Baby Geniuses currently available.

Reflecting on the impact his death could have on his art, Tree added: ‘There’s also room for other money, because when I die, my art will continue to have residuals and probably be worth more than it is now.

‘People will finally appreciate my stupid videos and my stupid songs. That’s when people appreciate you, when you’re not there anymore.’

Self-aware, he quipped that people ‘might not’ see his greatness but noted that ‘historically speaking’ artists’ worth goes up after death.

‘Hopefully it will last for like 100 years and people can donate,’ Tree said in conclusion.

Tree died near Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, June 14, when two helicopters collided, with an investigation now underway.

Local outlet Metróples reported that Tree and passengers Lucas Vignale, Gaspar Prim, Lucas Brito Chaves were in one helicopter with pilot Alexandre Souza, while the other was piloted only by Charles Marsillac.

Prim, who was also listed as a passenger according to AP, is better known as YouTuber Gaspi and was just 23.

One helicopter fell into a car park below, causing a fire which engulfed 20 vehicles, with the Military Fire Department arriving on scene around 9am local time.

In addition to his music, Tree was known for his distinctive look – including his signature bowl cut and exaggerated wardrobe.

The singer’s ex-girlfriend, Melanie Martinez, posted that she was a ‘wreck’ after learning the news, calling him a ‘true artist’.

Meanwhile, friend Diplo called him ‘cooler than everyone’, saying his death ‘doesn’t feel real’.

The Miss You singer had last performed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 4 and had posted himself playing football in Brazil hours before his death.

Tree was scheduled to perform at over 70 shows across 30 countries, including the UK, with dates scheduled in Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.