The world of daytime drama is reeling from heartbreaking news that has shaken the entertainment community to its very core. On the night of September 14th, 2025, tragedy struck when a devastating car accident claimed the life of Brad Everett Young, a beloved figure whose artistry and spirit left an undeniable mark on soap opera culture. At just 46 years old, Brad’s life was cut short in a sudden and devastating collision, leaving colleagues, friends, and millions of fans mourning the loss of a man whose vision behind the lens helped define the golden era of daytime television.

Brad Everett Young was more than just a photographer—he was a creative force who poured his soul into every image he captured. His work brought iconic soap opera characters to life in ways that transcended the screen, etching unforgettable memories into the hearts of fans. Known for his collaborations with Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, and The Bold and the Beautiful, Brad’s artistry became synonymous with the glamour, passion, and heartbreak that daytime television thrives on. His photographs graced countless magazine covers, promotional campaigns, and fan collections, cementing him as one of the most respected visual storytellers of his generation.

The Fatal Night

According to his publicist, Paul Christensen, Brad was driving alone on a quiet highway when another vehicle veered fatally into his lane. The crash was catastrophic, a violent impact of steel and glass that left no chance for survival. Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, Brad succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The shocking news was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter, and within hours, the entertainment world was plunged into mourning.

This sudden loss feels particularly painful because Brad was not simply an observer of the soap opera world—he was its visual heartbeat. He had an uncanny ability to draw out the rawest emotions from stars like Deidre Hall, Eric Martsolf, and Alison Sweeney, who trusted him to capture them not just as characters but as people with depth, vulnerability, and strength. His work was a dance between light and shadow, filled with nuance and beauty. Fans often said that his photos made them feel as though they were right there in Salem, Port Charles, or Genoa City, living the storylines alongside their favorite characters.

A Legacy Through Art

For over two decades, Brad’s portfolio became a treasure chest of soap opera history. Whether it was the tear-streaked close-ups of Salem’s most dramatic moments, or the sweeping elegance of Port Charles ballroom scenes, Brad knew how to capture the soul of daytime drama. His photography wasn’t just technical—it was intimate, artistic, and deeply human. He didn’t just take pictures, he told stories.

Soap stars often credited him with making their most vulnerable performances shine even brighter. Eric Martsolf, best known for his role as Brady Black on Days of Our Lives, said in a heartfelt message: “The world feels dimmer without Brad’s light. He made every photoshoot an adventure, every moment a memory.”

Deidre Hall, the legendary Marlena Evans, echoed that sentiment: “Brad was more than a photographer. He was a storyteller, a friend, a dreamer. His lens captured our souls, and his heart captured our love.”

Beyond the Camera: A Humanitarian

Brad Everett Young wasn’t just passionate about his craft. He was also deeply committed to giving back. In 2015, he founded Dream Loud Official, a nonprofit aimed at restoring arts and music education in schools. Brad firmly believed creativity was the heartbeat of humanity, and he wanted children everywhere to experience the same transformative power that had shaped his own life.

Dream Loud Official quickly grew into a nationwide movement, backed by stars from across the entertainment industry. Justin Hartley (Kevin Pearson on This Is Us and formerly Adam Newman on The Young and the Restless) praised Brad’s vision, saying: “Brad didn’t just take pictures. He saw the world differently. He wanted every kid to see it that way, too.”

Through workshops, fundraisers, and outreach programs, Brad helped provide instruments, art supplies, and creative resources to underfunded schools. While his celebrity-packed events often drew headlines, Brad always said the real reward was in the eyes of the children who received the gifts. For him, those sparks of creativity were worth more than any Hollywood spotlight.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Brad’s passing has sparked an overwhelming outpouring of grief across social media. Hashtags like #BradEverettYoung and #DreamLoud began trending within hours as fans, actors, and directors shared tributes.

One fan account, @SoapFan4Life, wrote: “Brad’s photos made me fall in love with Days all over again. He captured the magic of Salem in a way that made the characters feel like family. This hurts so much.”

Another, @GHForever, shared a collage of his General Hospital photos with the caption: “These images were my childhood. Thank you, Brad, for giving us beauty we’ll never forget.”

Colleagues who worked with him frequently described him as a whirlwind of positive energy. Known for his quick wit and infectious laugh, Brad made people feel at ease—whether they were newcomers nervous in front of the camera or veterans preparing for yet another promotional shoot. He was the type of person who remembered birthdays, wrote handwritten notes, and left people feeling truly seen.

Remembering the Man Behind the Lens

Outside of his professional achievements, Brad was also an adventurer at heart. He loved solo road trips across the country, capturing the quiet beauty of America’s landscapes. His Instagram became a gallery of sunsets, mountain ranges, and beaches—proof that he could find magic in both the stars of daytime television and the stillness of nature.

Friends and family describe him as deeply devoted, always crediting his parents and siblings for instilling in him values of kindness, storytelling, and generosity. His life was full of laughter, creativity, and compassion.

Carrying His Legacy Forward

Though his life ended far too soon, Brad’s impact will continue. Dream Loud Official has pledged to carry forward his mission, with board members vowing to expand the organization in his honor. A memorial fund has already been established, drawing donations and messages of support from around the globe. Plans are also underway for a tribute event that promises to celebrate Brad’s life through the very things he loved most: art, music, and community.

Meanwhile, his photographs will remain timeless artifacts of soap opera history. They continue to hang in studios, fan homes, and archives—silent witnesses of the man who had an unparalleled gift for capturing fleeting emotions and turning them into something eternal.

A Final Frame

As the Days of Our Lives family and the entire daytime television world grieve, one truth shines through: Brad Everett Young’s legacy will never fade. His work remains a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of creativity. His images told stories that words sometimes could not. His nonprofit helped children discover the joy of art. And his friendships, kindness, and laughter left imprints on countless lives.

The hashtag #DreamLoud sums up his philosophy best—live boldly, love fiercely, and never stop believing in the beauty of the world.

From all of us here, we extend our deepest condolences to Brad’s family, friends, and the countless fans who cherished his work. Though his time with us has ended, his vision will continue to inspire for generations to come.