The tattoo community in California is mourning the tragic loss of Charlie Forsyth, a beloved tattoo artist and owner of Sunset Tattoo, who died in a motorcycle accident this week.
Charlie, who was originally from North Port, Florida, and lived in Santa Rosa, California, was widely known for his exceptional artistry, humor, and larger-than-life personality. The devastating news was confirmed through an emotional post shared by Amulet Tattoos, one of the studios and artists close to him.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share with all of you that yesterday, our dearest friend and brother Charlie Forsyth was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident,” the post read.
“Words cannot begin to express the profound sadness that so many feel right now. Please keep his wife, his mother, and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Charlie Forsyth was not only known for his skill with ink but also for his authenticity, humor, and kindness that touched everyone he met.
The heartfelt tribute from Amulet Tattoos described him as:
“If you knew Charlie, you knew the scope of his humor, the comfort of his friendship, and the size of his heart. Even if you had only met him briefly, you were certain that you were in the company of someone genuine — and any time you were with him, you knew damn well you were in for a good time.”
The studio continued,
“We could write a book on what Charlie meant to us, what he will always mean to us, and how he changed the course of some of our lives more than we could ever thank him for… Charlie, we will always love you and we will always be grateful to have had you in our lives. Rest easy, brother.”
Charlie’s sudden death has left his family, friends, and clients heartbroken.
His cousin, John Fahey D’Amato, shared an emotional message on social media:
“Love you cuz, Charlie Forsyth. I always wanted to be like you after you finally found your happiness and made your dreams a reality. We may not have been as close as we once were, but that never mattered. Fly high, big guy, fly high.”
Messages of love and condolences have continued to pour in from across the tattoo community, as artists and clients shared photos, stories, and artwork in his memory.
Charlie attended North Port High School before pursuing his passion for tattooing. Over the years, he became a respected figure in the tattoo world, known for his craftsmanship and welcoming personality. At Sunset Tattoo, he created a space that was more than a studio — it was a hub for creativity, laughter, and friendship.
Local authorities in Santa Rosa have not yet released detailed information about the cause of the motorcycle accident, but reports indicate that it occurred late Thursday.
Friends and colleagues are organizing memorial plans and are expected to hold a community gathering in Charlie’s honor at Sunset Tattoo in the coming days.