Denver, Colorado, is grieving the loss of 34-year-old stylist Jax Gratton, who had been reported missing since April 15. Her remains were discovered on June 6 in a Lakewood alley near West Colfax Avenue. Her mother, Cherilynne Gratton-Camis, verified the find in a Facebook post dated June 7.
Theories of captivity and torture debunked
Reports from Transvitae indicate that in the weeks following Gratton’s disappearance, unsubstantiated rumors circulated suggesting she had been abducted and tortured. These alarming claims of captivity and horrific abuse were amplified across social media platforms and through unverified tips, stirring concern among those wishing her well.
However, police have since confirmed there were no indications of prolonged captivity or torture. Her mother expressed a sense of relief, stating that this confirmation brought her “peace” in knowing her daughter likely did not endure such imagined suffering.
The Lakewood Police Department has initiated a “suspicious death” investigation. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is expected to release autopsy results, including the official cause and manner of death, in the coming days.
What happened to Jax Gratton?
Gratton was reportedly last seen on April 15, departing her University Hills apartment after informing her roommate she’d be gone for just a few hours. She never came back, leaving behind her cat, medication, and personal belongings.
The case was initially reported a week later as a missing person, tragically extending into two months of anxious searching. Her absence was highly uncharacteristic; friends noted she consistently kept in touch with her family, especially on occasions like Easter Sunday, yet she failed to do so. A dedicated Facebook group, “Find Jax Gratton Denver,” grew to over 1,800 members, and flyers were distributed throughout the city.
Discovery of the body
A passerby located the body in a Lakewood alleyway on June 6. According to law enforcement, the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, but were visually identified by her distinctive tattoos and the clothing she wore on the night of her disappearance.
Her mother shared that a detective visually confirmed the identity, which spared the family additional weeks of waiting for formal identification. Cherilynne stated that she finds comfort in the belief that Gratton likely died on the night she vanished, rather than enduring weeks of suffering.
A Legacy of light and activism
Gratton, a proud trans woman and hairstylist at Solera Salon Suites, was celebrated for her vibrant personality and deep compassion. Her mother described her as “unapologetically, fiercely, fully” herself—someone who brightened the lives of many.
She frequently volunteered her time to offer haircuts to unhoused individuals, quietly giving back without seeking recognition. Her activism and unwavering dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community were central to her identity.
With formal identification and autopsy results still pending, authorities are treating the case as suspicious. Investigators are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor, to contact the Lakewood Police or the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Friends and the salon community are planning a vigil to honor Gratton and continue her advocacy for trans rights.
