Thai-Australian singer-songwriter Talae Rodden, known professionally as Ricewine, has died after a large tree fell onto a car on Mount Buller Road in Victoria, Australia. He was 27.
Rodden, an indie-pop and lo-fi artist from Melbourne, was travelling with his 64-year-old mother, Sally Rodden, when the tree came down near the Mount Buller ski area in north-eastern Victoria.
Emergency workers attended the scene but were unable to save him. His mother suffered serious upper-body injuries and was taken to Wangaratta Hospital for treatment.
Fundraiser launched for Rodden family
The University Ski Club (USC) has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help the Rodden family with funeral expenses and Sally Rodden's medical care.
The family is well known in the Mount Buller community and in nearby Merrijig and Mansfield, according to the appeal.
Its statement said Sally, Cha and Jared were grieving an unexpected loss that occurred in seconds. It described Ricewine as a talented and much-loved member of his family, friendship circle and wider community.
Melbourne artist built an international audience
Rodden had been regarded as an emerging Melbourne singer and songwriter. Performing as Ricewine, he built a following for his indie-pop and lo-fi releases.
His best-known track, Summer Spent, has received more than 1.1 million views on YouTube.
He had also appeared at major music events including SXSW Sydney and Fest by Inner West in October 2025. He had not released new music since that appearance.
Investigation under way
Authorities are gathering evidence to establish the precise cause and circumstances of the accident on Mount Buller Road.
A report will be prepared for the coroner as required under legal procedures.
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14 August 2026
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