Following his death in a June helicopter crash in Brazil, late singer Oliver Tree’s 2024 will has revealed detailed instructions regarding his eclectic art collection, which his father, Jesse Nickell III, is asking the court to administer.
The estate of the late artist, who died at age 32 alongside five others when two helicopters collided in Recreio dos Bandeirantes in the southwest zone of Rio de Janeiro on June 14, is stepping forward to manage his extensive creative footprint. Court documents obtained by TMZ show that Oliver’s father, Jesse Nickell III, has asked the court to appoint him as the administrator of his late son’s trust.
The Art and Estate Instructions Left Behind
While the exact value of the estate remains uncalculated by his father, the paperwork details specific plans for Oliver’s physical assets. Although the late singer intended to leave handwritten instructions for the administrator on how to distribute his assets, it remains unclear whether he completed those notes.
Under the terms of the documents, if no explicit plan was left behind, the administrator is directed to retain all of Oliver’s art pieces while selling off all other items. The specified art and physical holdings are extensive.
“iconic wardrobe, the world’s biggest scooter, the bull quad, all music props/installations, touring props and gear, video storyboards, concept art, fashion designs, runway looks, paintings, podcast props etc.”
TMZ
According to the filings, Oliver wanted these pieces housed either in his own dedicated museum or within an existing institution.
Before his passing, Oliver made clear his intentions regarding his accumulated wealth. Speaking on an April 24 appearance on the Zach Sang Show
two months before the tragedy, he explicitly stated that no family members would inherit his money.
He added that even if he had a spouse or children, they would not receive any of the funds. Instead, his vision centered entirely on funding the physical creation of art.
“You’re not allowed to buy equipment with the money. You’re not allowed to go get education and schooling with the money. You have to physically hire people to physically produce stuff — and you’re allowed to rent equipment to make things.”
Oliver Tree, Zach Sang Show
To execute this vision, the family successfully launched a non-profit organization a couple of weeks after his passing, fulfilling what loved ones described as his final wish. Titled Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Geniuses—also referenced in family announcements as Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Grant For Baby Geniuses—the foundation is designed to generate interest from his music to issue grants to artists working across music, film, installation, and performance art.
Family Administration and Public Tributes
The administrative structure of the estate places family leadership front and center. Oliver nominated his father, Jesse Nickell III, to serve as administrator, with his mother, Christine Begin Nickell, designated as the backup option. The initial board of directors for the newly formed foundation likewise comprises Oliver’s parents, other family members, and friends.
In an Instagram post following his death, his family shared that Oliver’s body has returned to California to rest. His mother, Christine Begin Nickell, remembered her son by stating that he made this world a better place
in a tribute that echoed the outpouring from supporters worldwide.
A celebration of life was held for the late star at the end of last month, drawing figures such as Logan Paul and Diplo to share memories of the musician.
What Remains Unresolved in the Probate Case
As the probate case proceeds, key financial questions remain open. Jesse Nickell III has stated that he is currently unsure of the total worth of the estate. Furthermore, while the court documents note that Oliver planned to leave specific handwritten instructions regarding asset distribution, the probate court must still determine the definitive legal status of those potential notes and how they interact with the broader trust and foundation framework.
