Oliver Tree’s mother speaks out after singer's death amid claims family ‘won’t get a penny’ from wealth

Oliver Tree's mother has publicly paid tribute to the singer following his reported death at the age of 32, as attention also turned to previously resurfaced comments about his estate and inheritance plans.

Christine Begin Nickell shared an emotional message on Facebook on June 18, days after news emerged that her son, whose full name was Oliver Tree Nickell, had died in a helicopter collision in Rio de Janeiro.

"Our dear son Oliver, you made this world a better place," Nickell wrote. "We are so proud of you. RIP ❤️💔❤️." 

The tribute was accompanied by a throwback photograph of Tree holding a dog.

Tree was among six people listed as passengers after two helicopters collided in Rio de Janeiro on June 14. Authorities were continuing their investigation, while local officials expressed condolences to the families and friends of those affected by the tragedy.

The singer had been travelling in Brazil during his world tour. He had recently performed in São Paulo and was scheduled to continue a series of international dates through October.

In the days following reports of his death, a clip from Tree's April appearance on The Zach Sang Show podcast resurfaced online.

During the interview, he discussed his plans for his estate, saying, "I don't believe that any of the wealth or the things that get made from it [a career] is mine. So when I die — I've set it up — my will is set up that when I pass, my family, no one's going to get a penny."

Tree added that his wealth would ultimately support other artists rather than be inherited by family members.