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How did Charles Elias Ingalls die? Fans remember 25-years-old's music as 'pure class'

Musician found dead in Nashville hotel on December 10, just a day before he was to perform in Pellham, Tennessee

Electronic music producer Charles Elias Ingalls was found dead at a Nashville hotel on December 10, 2021, police confirmed. The Lab Group bass producer was just 25 years old at the time of his death and is now being widely mourned on social media. Shortly after Lab Group put out a series of tweets mourning Ingalls' death, fans quickly rushed to share their condolences and messages in support of 'CharlestheFirst'.

The sudden and shocking passing of Ingalls mirrors that of several other celebrities found dead this year. On December 6, former 'America's Got Talent' contestant Skilyr Hicks was found dead in South Carolina. Actor Joey Morgan was also found dead on November 21. But perhaps one of the most notable losses this year has been Charlie Watts, the legendary Rolling Stones drummer who died at 80 in August.

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As with the case of Hicks and Morgan, the sudden death of Ingalls leaves behind plenty of questions, and few answers. This is a developing story, so we'll update you as we know more, but for now, here's everything we know about Ingalls' death, and what social media is saying.

How did Charles Ingalls die?

According to reports, the musician was found dead at a Nashville hotel on the morning of December 10. His body was discovered by a friend lifeless at the McGavock Pike Sheraton hotel, just a day before he was due to perform at the Caverns in Pellham, Tennessee. Early reports say there's no indication of trauma to the body, but an autopsy and toxicology report are still pending. 

Nashville Police are currently investigating the death, and have so far not commented beyond confirming the identity of the deceased. Shortly after, Lab Group tweeted, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce this. Early this morning our beloved Charles Elias Ingalls passed away in his sleep. Amongst many things, Charles was a larger than life presence that deeply moved and affected all who knew him." They followed that up with two more tweets, noting he "lived his life with a sense of magic and inspiration that most people only dream of," in another. 

'He was pure class'

The entire EDM industry got together to mourn Ingalls, not just his fans. Brownies & Lemonade tweeted, "Speechless to find about the passing of CharlesTheFirst. Although we didn't know Charles personally, we have always admired his music and dedication to his art. Truly an artist on the verge of greatness. Our hearts are with his loved ones and fans dealing with this loss." One fan said, "RIP to CharlesTheFirst… I just passed the decks off to him at Holy Ship last weekend and he was pure class. I’m not really a fan of that type of music normally but his set blew me away. Incredibly talented with tons of depth. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fans." Another said, "CharlestheFirst was a visionary and an inspiration. It's impossible to imagine what he was set to accomplish over the course of his career. Light a candle tonight, and never forget to tell your friends you love them."

One user mourned, "charlesthefirst music literally got me through some of the darkest points in my life. he has been such a pinnacle part of my self discovery journey, I hope we as a community can come together & mourn over this tragedy bc i for one am absolutely broken." Fellow musician HEKLER tweeted, "I never had the chance to speak with CharlesTheFirst but his music really inspired me and always pushed the envelope further. Your music and spirit will live on forever, sending love to your family and friends. Rest easy." Another fan said, "CharlesTheFirst has always been the soundtrack to my creative seshes, to some of my best moments of inspiration and love, not only with myself but with the amazing people around me feeling his music as well and I’m just so sad and sending all of my love to his friends and family."