Charlie Colin, founding bassist of the rock group Train, has died at the age of 58

Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the rock group Train, has died. He was 58 years old.

Colin’s sister, Carolyn Stephens, confirmed his death to the Associated Press. A cause of death was not given, but TMZ reported that Colin died after slipping and falling in the shower.

Train confirmed his death in an Instagram post. “He was THE nicest guy and what a handsome guy,” the band said. “Let’s start a band, that’s the only sensible thing to do. His unique bass playing and beautiful guitar playing helped put us on the radar of people in San Francisco and beyond… You are a legend Charlie. Charm those angels.”

Colin is from Newport Beach and attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After Colin reconnected with his former bandmates Jimmy Stafford and Rob Hotchkiss in San Francisco, they formed Train in the 90s with singer Pat Monahan and drummer Scott Underwood.

The group developed a timeless, light rock sound that proved commercially successful and long-lasting on the radio, scoring several hits including “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me),” “Meet Virginia” and “Hey, Soul Sister.” The group was nominated for two Grammys in 2002, for the recording and rock performance of “Drops of Jupiter.”

Colin played on Train’s first three albums – the 1998 eponymous LP, 2001’s Drops of Jupiter and 2003’s My Private Nation. He left the band in 2003, reportedly due to drug problems.

Monahan said in a 2017 interview: “Charlie is an incredible bass player, but he was in a lot of pain and the way he dealt with it was very painful for everyone around him.”

Colin also served as the music director of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Festival co-founder Todd Quartararo said in a statement to the Associated Press, “Charlie was a special part of the Newport Beach Film Festival family. His heart, compassion and creativity will certainly be missed.”

Colin leaves behind his parents, his sister and a niece.