Denver Hairstylist Jax Gratton Found Dead After Nearly Two Months Missing; Police Investigating as Suspicious Death

Denver Hairstylist Jax Gratton Found Dead After Nearly Two Months Missing; Police Investigating as Suspicious Death

DENVER, CO — The search for missing 34-year-old Denver hairstylist Jax Gratton has ended in tragedy. Gratton, who had been missing for nearly two months, was found dead Friday in an alleyway in the 9600 block of W. Colfax Avenue, according to family members who share the heartbreaking news

The discovery was made by a bystander, who alerted authorities after coming across human remains in an advanced stage of decomposition. Lakewood police responded to the scene and have since launched a “suspicious death investigation” as they await the results of an autopsy by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, scheduled for today.

Jax Gratton’s disappearance had drawn widespread attention online and within the Denver community. Friends, loved ones, and concerned citizens had shared her case repeatedly on social media, hoping for answers and her safe return. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed with Friday’s devastating discovery.

At this time, police have not released information regarding the cause or manner of death. The condition of the body has made it difficult to immediately determine what happened to Gratton in the time since she was last seen.

The alley where Gratton’s body was found sits in a busy stretch of West Colfax in Lakewood, an area known for its mix of businesses and residential units. Investigators spent much of Friday and Saturday combing the scene for evidence, and the public is urged to come forward with any information that might help shed light on what led to her death.

As the investigation unfolds, friends and family are left grieving a life lost far too soon. Gratton was known in Denver as a talented stylist with a vibrant personality and a deep love for her community. Her clients and friends describe her as creative, kind, and full of life — someone who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Lakewood Police are encouraging anyone who may have seen something unusual in the area over the past weeks — or who has any knowledge of Gratton’s movements — to contact their tip line. The public’s help may be key in bringing clarity and justice in this tragic case.