Co-workers gather at Denver salon after police find body of missing hair stylist Jax Gratton
A two-month-long search for a beloved hairstylist, who went by the name Jax Gratton, tragically ended on Friday. Her friends and family told CBS News Colorado that her body was found in a Lakewood alleyway. However, law enforcement officials are waiting on an autopsy, expected to happen Sunday, before confirming her identity.
On Saturday, Cherilynne Gratton-Camis confirmed with CBS Colorado that her daughter, Jax, was found deceased. A friend and coworker said Jax's body was found outside in Lakewood.
"We used to bring each other flowers all the time," said friend and coworker Aubrey Saikele. "I just wanted to bring her some of her favorite flowers, just to come tell her it's okay now. Just to send our baby off last time with her flowers."
Gratton was last seen leaving her University Hills apartment on April 15. She rented a suite at Solera Salon Suites in Denver, but because each stylist works for themselves, it took days for anyone to realize she was missing. Family and friends canvassed social media and put up flyers around the city, hoping to find her.
Her friends describe her as genuine, caring, funny, and authentically herself; a friend who can never be replaced.
"She really just brought so much energy and life into the space, and it's really been very different without her being here," said Saikele. "We're just going to miss her."
"If there's anything I could say to Jax, is that I just loved her unconditionally, and I wish that I could get one more silly voicemail, one more big hug, one more weird, hard night just to sit around and tell her that I love her and that you know I'm never, never going to forget her," Saikele added.
Brandy Carey, the salon manager and a friend of Gratton's, said that they plan to hold a vigil for her, but for now, they're taking time off to process what's happened.
As a trans woman, Gratton lived her life in support of protecting the trans and LGBTQIA+ community. That's something her friends plan on continuing in her honor.
"I just think it's so important that it's known how important she was to us and how big a part of our community she was," said another friend and coworker, Paul Salas. We will carry on for her, and we will continue to do the activism that she also would do."
There are many unanswered questions surrounding her passing, and many emotions of grief and disbelief to process. Still, for her loved ones, there's some comfort in knowing she was finally found.
"I'm glad that we found her, and now we can continue forward knowing that she's not just out there, not being found," said Salas. "She's not just another person that's been lost and never found."
Gratton's mother posted a tribute to her daughter on Facebook, writing, "Jax Gratton was a light — I know that. She lit up so many lives just by being herself. Unapologetically. Fiercely. Fully. I see her in every act of love and strength you've shown, and I wish peace, love, and protection for all of you."
She thanked those who tried to help find her daughter and said Jax's death made her more aware of the dangers those in the LGBTQIA+ community face.
