Stephanie Yates’ Beloved Son, Trey, Tragically Killed in Late-Night Car Crash in Southern West Virginia on June 1, 2025Stephanie Yates’ Beloved Son, Trey, Tragically Killed in Late-Night Car Crash in Southern West Virginia on June 1, 2025: Hillbilly Bullies Kennel Owner Mourns Heartbreaking Loss as Community Rallies Around Family in Wake of Devastating Accident

Southern West Virginia – June 1, 2025

A profound tragedy has shaken the tight-knit hills of southern West Virginia as Stephanie Yates, a respected figure in the local dog-breeding community and the well-known owner of Hillbilly Bullies, grapples with an unimaginable loss—the death of her beloved son, Trey, in a fatal car accident that occurred late Saturday night. The devastating crash has left the Yates family and the wider community in deep mourning as details continue to emerge about the circumstances surrounding the horrific incident.

Stephanie Yates, widely known for her dedication to the care and breeding of American Bullies, confirmed early Sunday morning that her son, Trey, had succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic single-vehicle accident that occurred on a rural road near their family property in the southern West Virginia region. While official reports from the West Virginia State Police have yet to be fully released, preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle Trey was operating veered off the road sometime around midnight, leading to a fatal impact.

According to family sources and neighbors, the accident occurred just outside of town, near a stretch of roadway known for its sharp curves and poor nighttime visibility. Trey, who was in his early twenties, had reportedly been returning home after spending time with close friends. The weather at the time was clear, and no adverse conditions were initially believed to be a contributing factor, leaving loved ones searching for answers as to what caused the sudden and fatal deviation from the road.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after midnight following multiple 911 calls from local residents who heard the crash. Despite rapid medical attention and rescue efforts, Trey was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to perform a full autopsy to determine the precise cause of death, though initial reports point to blunt-force trauma as the likely factor.

The tragic loss of Trey Yates has cast a long shadow over the local community, where the Yates family is held in high regard not only for their business, Hillbilly Bullies, but also for their longstanding support of local events, youth programs, and animal welfare efforts. Stephanie Yates, known for her tireless work ethic and nurturing spirit, built Hillbilly Bullies from a small backyard breeding operation into a recognized and respected name among American Bully breeders across the region. Her kennel has produced several champion bloodlines and has been a cornerstone of local pride and community connection.

In a heartfelt Facebook post made early Sunday morning, Stephanie shared a photo of Trey as a child, alongside a recent image of him smiling with one of their prized dogs, captioned simply:
“My heart is shattered. My baby is gone. Trey, you were my world. I don’t know how to go on without you.”

Messages of sympathy and support have since flooded the post, with thousands of shares and comments from friends, clients, and fellow dog breeders expressing their condolences and offering prayers for the grieving mother.

“Trey was a kind soul with a heart as big as the dogs he helped raise,” said Angela McDaniels, a close friend of the family and fellow breeder. “He loved those animals, but more importantly, he loved his mom. You could see the pride in his eyes every time someone complimented one of their pups. This is just heartbreaking.”

Local law enforcement has launched a full investigation into the crash. While no foul play is suspected, officials are examining whether mechanical failure, fatigue, or other factors may have played a role. The vehicle involved, a dark-colored Dodge Charger, was reportedly a recent purchase by Trey, and investigators are expected to conduct a full inspection of the car to rule out any issues that may have contributed to the tragedy.

In the meantime, the community is mobilizing in support of the Yates family. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Hillbilly Bullies property, where friends, family, and local residents will gather to honor Trey’s memory and celebrate his life. Local businesses have offered to contribute food, candles, and flowers, while several breeders from surrounding counties have offered to assist with kennel operations in the coming weeks to allow Stephanie time to grieve.

“Stephanie has done so much for so many people in this community,” said Pastor Michael Harland of the Beckley Community Church. “She’s opened her home to rescue dogs, mentored young breeders, and supported local charities. Now it’s our turn to give back. She doesn’t have to walk through this alone.”

Stephanie’s grief is compounded by the fact that Trey was her only child—a son she raised largely on her own after the early death of his father. According to those close to the family, mother and son shared an extraordinarily close bond, with Trey often assisting in all aspects of the kennel’s operations. From early morning feedings to late-night check-ins on new litters, Trey’s presence was a constant at Hillbilly Bullies, and his absence will leave a void that no one else can fill.

“That boy had hands that could calm the most anxious pup,” said Marcus “Big Mike” O’Dell, a long-time friend and kennel volunteer. “He was a natural with the dogs. But more than that, he had this joy about him. A good kid, raised right. I just can’t believe he’s gone.”

As of Sunday afternoon, no funeral arrangements have been announced, though the family has confirmed that services will be held locally and open to the public. In lieu of flowers, the Yates family is requesting donations to a memorial fund being set up in Trey’s name, which will go toward animal welfare causes and scholarships for young people interested in veterinary science and canine breeding—a cause Trey had expressed interest in supporting before his untimely passing.

In this time of immense sorrow, Stephanie Yates and those who loved Trey are leaning heavily on the strength of their community and the legacy of kindness, hard work, and compassion that Trey embodied. Though his life was tragically cut short, the impact he made in his 20-something years will not soon be forgotten by those whose lives he touched—both human and canine alike.

Hillbilly Bullies will remain closed for the foreseeable future as the family navigates this tragic loss. Supporters and clients are asked to respect the family’s privacy during this time and to keep Stephanie and her loved ones in their prayers.

As southern West Virginia grapples with the loss of one of its own, the echo of grief can be heard in every mountain hollow and holler—but so too can the resilience of a community bound by compassion and the enduring memory of a young man whose life was a light to many.

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