Formerly a sailor, Gray was engaged by Burke as a stockman for the Burke and Wills Expedition. In the agonies of dysentery, Gray stole flour from the common store when all were on starvation rations, but Burke did his own reputation no good by 'thrashing' Gray for this offence. His death was witnessed by the only B&W survivor John King. During the inquest it was established that Gray had been beaten by Burke for stealing rations. Burke was absolved of Charlies death by the Royal Commission.