Oliver Tree’s family has honored his will, which directed them to establish a nonprofit foundation to support emerging artists, following his death in a helicopter crash in Brazil on June 14, 2026. The singer, known for hits like “Life Goes On,” left specific instructions to preserve his art collection and create a legacy fund, with details revealed in court documents and family statements.
Details of Oliver Tree’s Will
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Oliver Tree’s will instructed his family to retain his art collection, including his iconic wardrobe, the world’s biggest scooter, the bull quad, and all music props,
and to avoid selling them. Instead, he directed that these items be placed in a museum or existing institution. The will also outlined plans for a nonprofit foundation, Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses,
which would provide financial support to artists in music, film, and performance art.
The singer’s father, Jesse Nickell III, was named as the administrator of his trust, with his mother, Christine Begin Nickell, as a backup. The documents stated that if no written instructions were found, the family was to retain the art pieces and sell other assets, including his bank accounts, music rights, and clothing. However, Tree had explicitly outlined his vision, which his family confirmed they would follow.
Family’s Commitment to His Legacy
The foundation’s mission, as described by the family, aligns with Tree’s own words. In an interview, he stated, When I die, all the money is going to go back to artists. So I set up a foundation, it’s called ‘Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses.’ Hopefully it’ll last for 100 years.
The foundation’s website notes that it will fund the physical creation of art,
allowing artists to hire help and rent equipment, but not to purchase education or personal expenses.
Foundation’s Mission and Impact
The foundation, which was launched shortly after Tree’s death, aims to support artists working in unconventional mediums. According to NME, the grants are designed to fund the physical creation of art, rather than formal study or personal expenses.
The family has also announced plans for a celebration of life event, scheduled for July 25 at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater, which will be livestreamed for fans.
Tree’s mother, Christine Begin Nickell, expressed pride in her son’s vision, stating she was so proud
of her son. The foundation’s initial board will include his parents, family members, and friends, with a focus on ensuring his artistic legacy endures. The family also emphasized that specified non-art-related and non-sentimental assets
would be sold to fund the grants, with donations accepted as well.
Tributes and Memorial
Tributes to Oliver Tree have poured in from the music community, with artists like Post Malone dedicating performances to him. In a recent tribute, Malone described Tree as a “beautiful man” and told fans, We love you so much, Oliver.
The singer’s death in a helicopter collision in Brazil on June 14, 2026, also claimed the lives of five others, including YouTuber Gaspi and Lucas Brito Chaves.
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