Singer-songwriter 'Ricewine' identified as victim in fatal freak accident involving tree near Victorian alps ski resort

By JOANNA HYNDS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 10:05, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 10:21, 12 August 2026 A man killed in a tragic mountain crash has been identified as Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Talae Rodden. Mr Rodden, 27, was travelling with his mother, Sally, when a large tree branch fell onto their car while travelling along Mount Buller Road in north-east Victoria. The incident happened at about 9.15am on August 10, and despite advanced life support paramedics among the emergency services rushing to the scene, Mr Rodden died before he could be transported to hospital. His mother Sally, who had been driving, suffered serious injuries. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Mount Buller, Mansfield and Merrijig communities, where the Rodden family is well known. He was remembered as a 'talented and much-loved young man, cherished by his family, friends and so many people who had the privilege of knowing him.' The University Ski Club, where Mr Rodden was a member and an avid skier, has set up a GoFundMe to support his family. In a tribute, the club said: 'His loss has left an enormous hole in the communities he was so much a part of.' Talae Rodden died in a tragic incident on August 10, when a falling tree crushed the car he was travelling in  The 27-year-old was an up-and-coming musician, best known as RICEWINE The incident was on the road towards Mt Buller Ski Resort The tragic incident occurred during the alpine resort's snow season, with wintry conditions and fog reported in the area. Mr Rodden was a rising singer-songwriter best known by his stage name RICEWINE. He began making music as a teenager and released several albums and singles, including Summer Spent, which attracted more than one million views on YouTube. He also performed at events including SXSW Sydney in 2025. Mansfield Shire Council Mayor Steve Rabie said Mr Rodden's death would be felt throughout the community.  'Mansfield is a small and very close-knit community. When something like this happens, the impact reaches well beyond those immediately involved and I know many people across our community have been deeply affected by this news.'  'Our thoughts are with the family and as a community, we stand with them.' Victoria Police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remained ongoing.  Mr Rodden was described by those close to him as a 'talented and much-loved young man'  Conditions were foggy when the accident unfolded