Oliver Tree Honored at Santa Cruz Celebration of Life

A Quirky Memorial at UC Santa Cruz

The public memorial for the late singer took place at the Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz, located in the artist's native city of Santa Cruz, California. The event, which began at 7:30 p.m. PST, was described as a "Celebration of Life" and was designed to reflect the characteristically quirky and playful nature of Oliver Tree Nickell. According to an announcement on the artist’s Instagram, the program was scheduled as a three-hour event and was available to fans via a livestream for those who could not attend the limited-capacity in-person gathering.

In keeping with the singer’s unconventional public persona, the event featured several unique elements. The program included live music, tribute videos from the artist’s life, and the screening of unreleased video content. Tree was well-known for filming quirky music videos and viral clips throughout his career. Additionally, the event poster promised a highly unusual tribute: the presence of caskets for each of the singer’s various quirky characters. The memorial was held approximately six weeks after the musician’s passing, serving as a final send-off for the "Life Goes On" star.

Tributes from Friends, Family, and Industry Peers

The celebration featured a diverse roster of guest speakers who shared memories of the 32-year-old artist. Among those who addressed the crowd were DJ and producer Diplo, influencer and boxer Logan Paul, and YouTuber Ethan Klein. The list of speakers also included influencer Aaron Mercury, who was identified as Ethan Mercury in the initial event announcements. Tree’s own parents also took the stage to speak to the gathered fans and friends, emphasizing their son's proactive approach to creativity.

"I think Oliver would say trust yourself, get off the couch, produce art, and it’s really important to get in there and get your hands dirty. He was a doer. It was like, ‘Get off the couch and do that.’ That was his message."

— Tree’s parents

Logan Paul also offered a tribute during the service, reflecting on the artist's personality and his lasting impact on the music world.

"Oliver Tree never dies, jokes aside guys, Oliver was everyone’s best friend. He was an adventurer with an incomparable zest for life and the ultimate ability to make anyone feel seen and heard. Oliver is a generational artist whose legacy and music will last forever, and he’d be proud of all of us for keeping our heads up high by celebrating the impact of his time here on Earth, because at the end of the day, life goes on."

— Logan Paul

The impact of the artist's death was felt deeply by his close friends in the music industry. Chicago DJ and producer Whethan announced the week prior that he would postpone his planned Las Vegas shows at Shambhala to ensure he could attend the memorial in Santa Cruz.

The Legacy of a Unique Artist

The "Celebration of Life" followed the tragic death of the singer on June 14. Tree died in a helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an accident that also claimed the lives of five other people. At the time of the crash, the artist was traveling through South America as part of his World First World tour. His label, Atlantic Records, released a statement at the time of his passing, honoring his inventive spirit and contribution to the music industry.

"We are shocked and saddened by Oliver’s untimely passing. He was a remarkable talent — a gifted artist and songwriter who forged a thoroughly unique and captivating style. Oliver was endlessly inventive and a true original. He was a cherished friend to many and a beloved member of our music family. He profoundly loved music and his fans, and his absence will be deeply felt. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Oliver’s family, friends, and team, as well as the families and loved ones of all those affected by this tragic event."

— Atlantic Records

Tree was recognized for a creative style that spanned the Electronic and hip-hop genres. His estate has moved to ensure his influence continues through charitable efforts. All proceeds from the Saturday event were designated to benefit the Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant for Baby Geniuses (also referred to as the Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses). This foundation, which was launched by the singer's estate in accordance with his wishes, is dedicated to providing grants to support young artists in their creative endeavors.