Tribute for Trey Yates:
It is with profound grief and heavy hearts that the family and friends of Trey Yates, of Southern West Virginia, announce his tragic passing in a fatal car accident on the night of June 1, 2025. Trey was only 27 years old. The devastating news has left his loved ones, including his heartbroken mother Stephanie Yates, in a state of deep sorrow and disbelief. A life so full of promise and love was suddenly cut short, and the loss has been felt far and wide throughout the community and beyond.
Trey was best known as the proud owner of Hillbilly Bullies Kennel, where his love for animals—especially his dogs—shone through in everything he did. His passion for responsible breeding and care created a lasting impact in his field and gained him a wide circle of admirers and fellow dog lovers who respected his work, his ethics, and his big heart. To know Trey was to love him—he gave his all to the people and animals in his life, never hesitating to lend a hand, crack a joke, or offer unwavering support.
His mother Stephanie, who now bears the unbearable weight of this loss, shared that Trey was not only her son, but her light and joy. His laughter could fill a room, and his presence had the power to make others feel safe, heard, and cared for. Trey’s circle of friends was large and deeply bonded, as evidenced by the many tributes pouring in since the tragic news broke. One longtime friend described Trey as “the one person I always thought would be in my corner, no matter what. He was my ‘maybe’ person, my biggest cheerleader across the ocean, and my eternal ‘what if.’ He always supported the people he loved, no matter where life took them.”
This sentiment echoes loudly across all who knew him. Trey was known to encourage others’ dreams, often more passionately than his own. He believed in happy endings for everyone and carried a rare selflessness that inspired people to strive to be better—because he saw the best in them, even when they didn’t see it themselves.
Trey’s life, though short, was filled with love, laughter, hard work, and a heart that beat for others. He had a magnetic energy, and his smile could light up the darkest room. He left an imprint on the lives of many—across West Virginia, across the country, and even across the globe.
As the community grieves this profound loss, friends and family have come together to honor Trey’s memory. Stories of kindness, late-night phone calls, road trips, and dances as teenagers are being shared with tears and gratitude. Many recall the way Trey could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. It is this legacy of connection, compassion, and unwavering loyalty that will live on.
Trey Yates is survived by his loving mother Stephanie Yates, stepfather John, extended family members, and countless friends who considered him family. His absence leaves a void that words can hardly describe, but his spirit remains alive in every life he touched. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local animal rescue in Trey’s name, to continue his legacy of compassion and care. To Trey: We love you deeply. Thank you for being our maybe, our constant, our friend. You will never be forgotten. Fly high, Trey. Until we meet again.