Portland Mourns the Loss of Charlotte Fosgate, 17-Year-Old Trans Teen and Beloved Community Member
The Portland community is grieving the tragic loss of Charlotte Fosgate, a 17-year-old trans girl who had been missing since May 2, 2025. Charlotte, known online by her handle “burntfishie,” was found deceased near the St. Johns Bridge, following an extensive search effort fueled by love, concern, and determination from her family, friends, and local residents.
A Creative Soul and Online Presence
Charlotte was a vibrant and creative individual, deeply involved in the online Sonic the Hedgehog modding community. Under her aliases “charcoal” and “burntfishie,” she contributed to popular mods for games like Sonic Frontiers and Sonic x Shadow Generations, earning admiration for her innovative level designs and artistic flair.
Beyond her digital contributions, Charlotte was known for her introspective nature and passion for the arts. Friends and family recall her love for poetry and music, often seen with her guitar in hand, composing melodies that reflected her inner world.
The Search and Community Response
Charlotte’s disappearance prompted an outpouring of support from both local residents and the broader online community. Flyers were distributed throughout Portland, social media campaigns were launched, and volunteers joined search efforts, particularly focusing on areas Charlotte was known to frequent.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office issued alerts, emphasizing the urgency due to Charlotte’s mental health challenges and the fact that she had left without her prescribed medication. Her last known social media post, featuring an image of the St. Johns Bridge with the caption “it is a long way down,” heightened concerns about her well-being.
Remembering Charlotte
Charlotte’s passing has ignited critical conversations in Portland and beyond about mental health, trans youth advocacy, and the urgent need for compassionate, affirming support systems. Those who knew her describe her as an artistic, introspective, and brave soul navigating a world that often failed to understand her.
Her family has expressed profound gratitude for the community’s efforts during the search. In a heartfelt statement, they shared, “Charlotte will come home because of all the love and support you have shown.”
A Call to Action
Charlotte’s story underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the need for supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. Her life and untimely passing serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many in the trans community and the collective responsibility to foster inclusivity, understanding, and care.
As Portland mourns the loss of a bright and talented young individual, Charlotte’s legacy continues to inspire advocacy, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring that every young person feels seen, valued, and supported.