A vibrant life cut short: LGBTQ+ community mourns as investigation continues
DENVER — Jax Gratton, the 34-year-old Denver hairstylist who vanished without a trace in mid-April, has been found dead, her heartbroken mother revealed in an emotional social media post over the weekend. The discovery marks a tragic end to a two-month search that mobilized Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
A Mother’s Heartbreaking Announcement
Cherilynne Gratton-Camis shared the devastating news on Facebook Saturday, writing that her daughter—a transgender woman who radiated joy and acceptance—had been “taken from this world far too soon.”
“With a broken heart, I share the news that our beloved Jax Gratton has been found—and she is no longer with us,” Gratton-Camis posted. “The light she carried, the love she gave so freely, and the joy she brought into our lives have been extinguished.”
The grieving mother thanked the thousands who amplified Jax’s disappearance, from friends and clients to strangers who shared flyers and kept vigil on social media. “Everyone who sent out a prayer, a hope, a kind thought… you carried us,” she wrote.
A Life of Unapologetic Authenticity
Gratton, a talented hairstylist known for her bold creativity, was last seen leaving her Denver apartment around 10 p.m. on April 15. She told her roommate she’d return in three hours but never came back. Her family grew increasingly alarmed, noting she hadn’t accessed her bank accounts or social media.
In her tribute, Gratton-Camis highlighted how Jax—who transitioned in her twenties—educated her about LGBTQ+ struggles. “She helped me understand your community in ways I can’t ignore… It’s about all of you who face the world every day just wanting to live, love, and exist safely,” she wrote. “That should never be a fight. And yet it is.”
Troubling History and Ongoing Investigation
While authorities haven’t released details about the circumstances of Gratton’s death, her mother previously told People she feared foul play, citing Jax’s past abusive relationships. The Lakewood Police Department confirmed a body was found Friday but hasn’t formally identified the remains pending forensic confirmation.
The case has reignited concerns about violence against transgender individuals, particularly women of color. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2024 saw at least 32 transgender people fatally shot or killed by violence in the U.S.—a disproportionate number of them Black and Latina trans women.
Community Rallies in Grief
Across Denver, salons and LGBTQ+ spaces have become impromptu memorials, adorned with photos of Gratton’s vibrant hair designs and handwritten notes celebrating her warmth. “She made everyone feel seen,” said client Marco Ruiz, 28. “When I came out, she didn’t just give me a haircut—she gave me confidence.”
As investigators work to determine what happened in Gratton’s final hours, her mother’s words resonate: “Jax was a light. I see her in every act of love and strength you’ve shown.”