Oliver Tree’s hometown of Santa Cruz, California, has recognized the late artist by proclaiming June 29 “Oliver Tree Day” in the city.
Shared online by fans last week, the proclamation signed by Mayor Fred Keeley honors the Santa Cruz-born-and-raised musician on the day he would have turned 33, June 29, 2026.
The proclamation cites the city’s “extreme sport community and culture, and creative spirit” as influences on his work as an internationally recognized musician, songwriter, actor, filmmaker, and visual artist.
“Oliver Tree’s success has brought positive attention to Santa Cruz and serves as an inspiration to upcoming artists and creators,” an excerpt from the proclamation reads. “Oliver Tree’s message to his fans and the world was, ‘No matter how strange you look, no matter how ugly you feel, you are beautiful.”
The proclamation also acknowledged “Dr. Oliver Tree’s Extremely Epic Art Grant for Baby Geniuses,” the charitable foundation launched in his honor that will execute a plan written into his will to use his wealth to support fellow artists.
Born Oliver Tree Nickell, the singer-songwriter was killed in a tragic mid-air helicopter collision over Rio de Janeiro on June 14. He was 32 years old.
In the weeks since, Tree’s friends, family, and the global music community have shared an outpouring of support for the beloved creative, including at Tree’s celebration of life, which was held at UC Santa Cruz’s Quarry Amphitheater, a venue he was scheduled to perform at this month.
See the mayor’s proclamation below.
Featured image courtesy: Oliver Tree.