On May 10, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of 17-year-old Transgender, Charlotte Fosgate of Oak Grove, Oregon, who had gone missing since May 2, 2025. After a protracted search driven by love, concern, and resolve from her family, friends, and the authorities, Charlotte—who was also known online by her moniker “burntfishie”—was discovered dead next to the St. Johns Bridge.
A lively and imaginative adolescent, Charlotte was reported missing shortly after her last sighting on the evening of May 2. A tragic farewell from a high bridge was included in her final public remarks, which were posted the following morning. The image still haunts everyone who knew and loved about her.
Charlotte’s family and friends have suffered greatly as a result of her being lost to what may appear to be a lack of acceptance in the community because she is transgender. Remember them as they adjust to this new normal without her, especially her mother, for whom Charlotte was everything.
Please talk up if you are having experiencing intense emotions that you don’t understand. Speak with a parent, educator, counselor, or other trusted individual. Hope, support, and people who genuinely care about you are all available. If you keep those deep feelings to yourself, you’ll feel isolated, which can lead to self-defeating negative ideas.
It’s a striking reminder that we never completely know what someone is going through. Individuals need to hear statements like “how much she matters” and “how loved she is” on a daily basis, not only in times of crisis.
Someone may choose to stay because of what you said. Continue to show affection. Continue to be kind. You might be saving someone’s life.
Show the Fosgate family some love if you know them; it will take some time for them to recover from their loss because no family wants to lose a loved one like Charlotte.
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