Late singer Oliver Tree's body returned to US after helicopter crash

The body of US singer-songwriter Oliver Tree has been returned home to California, with an Instagram post on his account saying “he can finally rest”.

Tree and six others died in a helicopter crash over Rio de Janeiro last week, when it collided with another helicopter.

The social media post also said his family would be honouring his “final wish” by setting up a charity in his name.

“This is something that Oliver had put together before his passing, written in his will. We will make sure his wish comes to fruition so that more joy, love and art can be spread into the world, that was his final wish,” the statement also said.

The foundation will be named Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses. The rest of the post thanked fans for their “constant love, support and positivity” shown to the family and friends of the musician and social media personality during “these extremely difficult times”.

“Love you all so much, Oliver would be so proud of every one of his supporters, friends and family. Peace be with Oliver,” it also said.

Tree – born Oliver Tree Nickell in Santa Cruz, California in 1993 – first rose to fame in 2016 after going viral on social media.

With his distinctive bowl haircut, he was known for hits including Life Goes On, Miss You and Alien Boy.

Tree, who died at the age of 32, had just begun a world tour, with his most recent show in São Paulo, Brazil on 6 June. He was next scheduled to perform in Lisbon, in Portugal, on 1 July and had been due to play dates in Glasgow, Manchester and London in September.