Austin Jay "Zoa" Charters, 15, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 15, 2019 in the Emergency Department at Elkhart General Hospital following an accident. He was born in Goshen on May 6, 2004 to Jennifer Higginbotham, who survives him at home.

Also surviving are his siblings, Cody Charters, Johnathan Charters, Dakota (Aaron) Lewis, Bryce Charters, Nicholas Charters, Noah (Jena) Charters, and Chyenne Charters; grandmothers Margo Davis and Sharon Higginbotham; grandfather Alan Beam and uncle, Jason Higginbotham. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Gary Higginbotham.

A brief gathering of family and friends to celebrate Austin's life will take place on Friday, November 29, 2019 from noon - 1 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. Austin will then be taken to Little Pine Cemetery in Goshen for burial there.

Austin was a sophomore and attended both Elkhart Memorial and Elkhart Central High Schools, where he was known by his classmates as an undefeatable athlete. He participated in many sports including boxing, basketball, cross country and soccer. He was also a very creative and talented artist, loved playing with Max the dog, enjoyed playing pranks on those he loved and always enjoyed an exciting game of laser tag with his family. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and many friends.

Memorial donations may be given in his memory to his mother, Jennifer; Billings Funeral Home or the family's GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/k8c3h6-funeral-cost.