Remembering Brad Everett Young: A Life Behind the Lens, A Legacy Beyond Measure

The world of daytime television was plunged into mourning on the fateful night of September 14, 2025, when a devastating car accident claimed the life of celebrated photographer Brad Everett Young. At just 46 years old, Young—a visionary artist whose vivid imagery captured the heart of soap opera fandom—was taken far too soon in a sudden and heart-wrenching tragedy.

The news, confirmed by Young’s publicist Paul Christensen in an exclusive statement to The Hollywood Reporter, sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Friends, colleagues, and fans alike are grappling with the profound loss of a man whose work and spirit touched countless lives.

According to reports, Young was driving alone along a quiet stretch of highway when another vehicle catastrophically veered into his lane. The collision was violent and unforgiving, leaving no chance for survival. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Young succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His untimely passing left behind not only heartbreak but also a luminous legacy that will forever shape the world of daytime drama.

A Photographer Who Made Soap Operas Shine

Brad Everett Young was no ordinary photographer. His name was synonymous with the golden age of soap operas, his camera a gateway to the raw emotion and timeless glamour of beloved shows such as Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

For more than two decades, Young’s work went far beyond capturing promotional stills. He immortalized soap opera history—transforming fleeting onscreen moments into iconic images that adorned magazine covers, promotional campaigns, and fan collections across the globe.

He had an uncanny ability to see beyond the surface, to capture the very soul of his subjects. Whether it was the smoldering passion of a romantic embrace or the heartbreaking vulnerability of a character on the verge of collapse, Young’s photographs told stories of their own. His artistry was not merely technical—it was poetry in light and shadow, a visual love letter to daytime drama.

Dream Loud: His Mission Beyond the Camera

Young’s influence stretched far beyond Hollywood studios. In 2015, he founded Dream Loud Official, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring music and arts education in underfunded schools.

“Brad didn’t just take pictures,” actor Justin Hartley (This Is Us, The Young and the Restless) reflected in a tribute on X. “He saw the world differently. And he wanted every kid to have the chance to see it that way, too. His heart was as big as his talent.”

Through Dream Loud, Young organized workshops, fundraisers, and outreach events that provided instruments and art supplies to children in need. His star-studded charity events drew actors, musicians, and industry insiders alike, but for Young, the greatest reward was always in the sparkle of a child’s eyes as they held a new paintbrush or instrument for the first time.

“He was a force of nature,” recalled actor Shawn Christian, a Young and the Restless alum. “He made you believe in the impossible.”

An Outpouring of Love

Following the news of his passing, social media platforms became a virtual memorial for Young.

“Brad was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller, a friend, a dreamer,” wrote Deidre Hall, the legendary Marlena Evans of Days of Our Lives. “His lens captured our souls, and his heart captured our love.”

Actor Eric Martsolf (Brady Black, Days) added: “The world feels dimmer without Brad’s light. He made every shoot an adventure, every moment a memory.”

Fans, too, shared their grief. One posted:

“Brad’s photos made me fall in love with Days all over again. He had a way of making every character feel real, like they were part of your family. This hurts so much.”

Another shared a collage of his General Hospital shoots, writing:

“These images are my childhood. Thank you, Brad, for giving us so much beauty.”

The hashtag #BradEverettYoung quickly trended on X, creating a digital tapestry of gratitude, memories, and heartbreak.

The Man Behind the Camera

To those who knew him personally, Young was more than a celebrated photographer or philanthropist—he was a vibrant, larger-than-life presence. Known for his quick wit and infectious laugh, he had a gift for putting people at ease, whether coaxing a smile from a nervous newcomer or sharing an inside joke with a seasoned star.

His passions extended far beyond his work. An avid traveler, Young often took solo road trips to photograph America’s natural beauty—from the fiery sunsets of the Grand Canyon to the mist-draped Smoky Mountains. His Instagram brimmed with breathtaking landscapes, reflecting his belief that beauty could be found in both the extraordinary and the everyday.

Though private about his personal life, he often spoke with deep affection for his family. “Brad was the kind of guy who remembered everyone’s birthday, who sent handwritten notes just because,” his publicist Paul Christensen shared with TV’s Drama Digest. “He made you feel like you mattered, like you were part of his story.”

A Legacy That Will Endure

As the daytime community mourns, there is comfort in knowing that Brad Everett Young’s work and mission will continue. His photographs, hanging in studios, homes, and fan collections, remain timeless windows into the stories he so dearly loved.

Dream Loud Official has vowed to carry on his vision, with a memorial fund established in his honor. Plans are also underway for a tribute event that will bring fans, friends, and colleagues together to celebrate his life—a fitting farewell filled with art, music, and the stories Young cherished.

A Final Frame

As we say goodbye to Brad Everett Young, we are reminded of life’s fragility and the enduring power of art. His camera was his voice, his photographs a chorus of emotions that will echo for years to come.

He was a visionary, a humanitarian, a friend. Though his time with us was cut tragically short, his impact will never fade.

Rest in peace, Brad Everett Young. You gave us hope, beauty, and inspiration. And through every shutter click, you taught us to keep dreaming loud.