Fortune for Art, Not Family: Oliver Tree's Mom Mourns His Death After He Vowed Wealth Won't Go to Relatives
Oliver Tree died at 32 in a June 14 helicopter crash in Brazil. His mother Christine Begin Nickell posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. Years earlier, Tree had vowed not to leave his wealth to his family, intending instead to fund the art-making process through a foundation called Dr. Oliver Tree’s Art Grants for Baby Geniuses, with rules that funds cannot be used for schooling or equipment and must support artists. He is survived by his parents and his girlfriend, Fiona Chernavskaya.