R.I.P. Charlie Cooper (Telefon Tel Aviv) (1977—2009)

This just in from Joshua Eustis of Telefon Tel Aviv:

Hello, Everyone.

It breaks my heart to inform you all that Charlie Cooper, my better half in Telefon Tel Aviv, passed away on January 22nd.

We have been friends since high school, and began making records together a decade ago. We have been so fortunate to tour the world together, while at the same time having a massive amount of laughs at one another's expense.

Aside from Charlie's singular genius and musical gifts, I can tell you that he was a total sweetheart of a guy, and a loving friend and confidant to people everywhere. His musicianship was surpassed only by his greater gift to the world - his warmth, his generosity, his unquenchable humor, and his undying loyalty to those whom he loved. In the spirit of honorable mention, however, I should mention that he had a shoe collection that was marvelous, knowledge of hip-hop that was profound, and knowledge of wine that was subtle.

He is survived by a sister, a neice, a nephew, his mother, his stepfather, me, and more adoring friends than the Universe has dark matter. As such, his family and I ask for your discretion and consideration of our privacy during these extremely turbulent waters.

Yours in Music,

Joshua Eustis

Charles Wesley Cooper, III [TTA MySpace]

Update: From CBS2 Chicago:

Charles Cooper went missing last Wednesday night after an argument with his girlfriend. He had been staying with a friend in the Wicker Park neighborhood when he got into the argument, according to Grand Central Area detectives. Cooper left the residence, located near 1400 N. Milwaukee Ave., before midnight on Jan. 21 and had no contact with friends or family members since, police said. He reportedly has a history of threatening suicide, but did not make such threats last week.

Musician Missing Since Last Week Found Dead [CBS2Chicago.com]