"Ink Master" star Daniel Silva is reeling from the fatal car crash that killed his friend, YouTube star Corey La Barrie ...

Silva had been working hard all day leading up to the deadly crash, and showed up to Corey's birthday party totally sober.

We're also told Daniel was only at the party for 2 hours, but was seen drinking White Claw hard seltzer.

Witnesses also say Daniel was drinking before getting in the driver's seat, but he has NOT been charged with DUI.