Melanie Martinez and Oliver Tree’s secret dating sparked fan-driven controversy after their split, but his sudden death in a helicopter crash led her to post a tearful, loving tribute.
In a tragic turn of events on June 14, 2026, beloved alternative singer Oliver Tree died in a devastating helicopter crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 32-year-old artist was among six victims when two helicopters collided mid-air before crashing into the parking lot of an electric car dealership, igniting a massive fire. The news sent shockwaves through the music industry, sparking an immediate outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike—none more poignant than the response from his former partner, singer Melanie Martinez.
Martinez, now 31, took to her Instagram Stories shortly after the news broke, describing herself as “an absolute wreck” and struggling to comprehend that someone who had shared “such a specific and formative time” of her life could be gone in an instant. In a tribute that showcased the depth of her unresolved affection, she remembered Tree as having a “soft heart” and being “a true artist in every way,” concluding with the touching send-off, “I know you’re making the angels giggle” —a fitting farewell for an artist known for his irreverent, mischievous persona.
Did Melanie Martinez Date Oliver Tree?
Yes, the two alternative artists were in a relationship, though their romance was relatively brief. Oliver Tree (born Oliver Tree Nickell) and Melanie Martinez first met around seven years ago and confirmed their romance in September 2019, shortly after collaborating on a joint interview with Alternative Press.
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The pair’s unique connection was on full display during their relationship, with Tree once famously declaring Martinez as “the most beautiful woman in the world” and joking, “Please marry me one day and have my children!” However, by July 2020, signs of a split began to surface when Martinez unfollowed Tree on Instagram and both artists deleted photos of each other from their profiles.
Martinez finally confirmed their breakup in May 2021, insisting that it had been a mutual decision and that they remained on good terms. Regarding her dating life after Oliver Tree, Martinez has largely kept subsequent relationships private; while search results mention no new confirmed partners as of 2026, fans have remained focused on her artistic output rather than her personal life.
Controversies Surrounding Both Artists
Despite their mutual desire for an amicable split, the breakup triggered a tumultuous online backlash. Tree opened up about how Martinez’s fans viciously targeted him following their separation, admitting the harassment “brought me to a pretty severe place of depression”. He described how fans relentlessly speculated that Martinez’s album tracks—particularly the savage lyrics of “EVIL”—were directly aimed at him, forcing Martinez to repeatedly intervene online with pleas like “Can you guys do me a favor and leave Oliver Tree alone. Please be nice and stop spreading false information”.
Meanwhile, Martinez herself has been no stranger to public scrutiny. The singer faced renewed backlash in early 2025 when her Cry Baby Coloring Cook resurfaced under accusations of containing inappropriate imagery, sparking heated debate on social media. More recently, in early 2026, Martinez drew criticism from animal welfare advocates after she was seen using prong collars on her pet dogs, a practice many argued causes unnecessary discomfort and harm to animals. These controversies, combined with the lingering drama of her past relationship, have painted a picture of an artist constantly navigating a minefield of public opinion.
In the wake of Oliver Tree’s tragic death, however, those past conflicts have been largely set aside as the music community unites in mourning a unique talent lost far too soon.
