The world of daytime television was shaken to its core on the evening of September 14th, 2025, when devastating news broke: Brad Everett Young, the celebrated photographer

whose work captured the very soul of soap operas, tragically lost his life in a car accident. At just 46 years old, Young’s sudden passing has left fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community reeling,

mourning the loss of a man whose vision and passion shaped the golden era of daytime drama. According to reports confirmed by Young’s publicist, Paul Christensen, in an exclusive statement

to The Hollywood Reporter, the accident occurred under the cloak of a moonless night. Young was driving alone along a quiet highway stretch when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction veered catastrophically into his lane. The collision was instantaneous and violent, leaving no chance for survival. Despite the heroic efforts of emergency responders, Young tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind a legacy that will forever illuminate the world of daytime television.

A Lens That Captured the Heart of Daytime Drama

Brad Everett Young was far more than a photographer—he was a storyteller, an artist who saw beyond the lens to the very soul of his subjects. For over two decades, his camera captured the raw emotion, glamour, and intimate moments that define shows like Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. His work didn’t merely document; it brought daytime television to life in a way that resonated with audiences across the globe.

From the passionate tension of a romantic scene to a character’s quiet vulnerability, Young had an unparalleled ability to encapsulate narrative in a single frame. Each photograph told a story, blending light, shadow, and emotion into images that graced magazine covers, promotional campaigns, and the cherished collections of devoted fans. Iconic stars like Deidre Hall, Eric Martsolf, and Allison Sweeney frequently found themselves in front of Young’s camera, confident that his artistry would capture not just their characters, but their humanity.

A Heart as Big as His Talent

Beyond his technical genius, Young’s heart and compassion were equally remarkable. In 2015, he founded Dream Loud Official, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring music and arts education in schools across the country. Young’s philosophy was simple yet profound: creativity is the heartbeat of humanity. Through Dream Loud, he sought to ensure that every child could experience the transformative power of artistic expression.

The initiative quickly drew support from some of daytime television’s biggest stars. Justin Hartley, known for his role as Kevin Pearson on This Is Us and formerly of The Young and the Restless, hailed Young’s vision, writing in a heartfelt tribute: “Brad didn’t just take pictures. He saw the world differently. And he wanted every kid to see it that way, too. His heart was as big as his talent.”

Similarly, Shawn Carrian, another Young and the Restless alum, described Young as “a force of nature” whose infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone around him. Young’s fundraisers, workshops, and outreach programs brought instruments, art supplies, and mentorship to schools that lacked the resources to nurture creativity. Yet for Young, the real reward was the joy in the children’s eyes, the spark of possibility he helped ignite—moments he often called his proudest achievements.

The Daytime Television Community Mourns

The news of Young’s passing sent ripples of grief across the tight-knit daytime television world. Social media platforms became impromptu memorials, flooded with heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Deidre Hall shared a poignant message: “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. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

Eric Martsolf, who portrays Brady Black on Days of Our Lives, added: “The world feels dimmer without Brad’s light. He made every shoot an adventure, every moment a memory.” Fans also weighed in, recounting personal stories of meeting Young or cherishing their favorite photographs. One fan wrote on social media, “Brad’s photos made me fall in love with Days of Our Lives all over again. He made every character feel real, like they were part of your family. This hurts so much.”

Young’s photography bridged the gap between the fictional drama of daytime television and the real-life emotions of the audience, reminding fans that even fleeting on-screen moments can have lasting impact.

A Man of Boundless Energy and Passion

To those who knew him personally, Brad Everett Young was larger than life. Colleagues described him as a whirlwind of energy, with a quick wit and infectious laughter that could light up any room. His ability to put others at ease—whether guiding a nervous newcomer or coaxing a seasoned actor into a genuine smile—was a hallmark of his work.

He was also a devoted traveler, frequently embarking on solo trips to capture the beauty of the American landscape. His Instagram, a curated gallery of sunsets over the Grand Canyon, misty mornings in the Smoky Mountains, and serene beaches along the Pacific coast, reflected the same eye for beauty and wonder that defined his professional career.

Privately, Young was a devoted family man, speaking often of his parents and siblings with deep affection. Publicist Paul Christensen shared: “Brad was the kind of guy who remembered everyone’s birthday, who sent handwritten notes just because. He made you feel like you mattered, like you were part of his story.”

A Legacy That Will Endure

As the daytime television world mourns, Young’s legacy continues to shine brightly. His photographs, adorning studio walls and fan collections alike, serve as timeless reminders of his artistry and vision. Dream Loud Official will carry on his mission, with board members committed to expanding the organization’s reach and ensuring that Young’s passion for arts education remains a living tribute to his life.

Plans are underway for a memorial event where fans and colleagues can celebrate Young’s remarkable contributions—a gathering of music, art, and stories that reflect the vibrancy he brought to every aspect of life. Social media continues to pay homage, with the hashtag #BradEverettYoung trending as fans, actors, and friends share memories, favorite images, and heartfelt reflections. One fan aptly summed it up: “Brad gave us more than pictures. He gave us hope, beauty, and a reason to keep dreaming loud. We’ll never forget him.”

A Final Frame

Brad Everett Young’s life, though tragically cut short, was a testament to the enduring power of art, love, and human connection. His camera was his voice; his photographs, a chorus of emotions that will echo for generations. He was a visionary, a humanitarian, a friend, and a man who lived boldly and loved fiercely.

For fans of Days of Our Lives and the wider daytime television community, Young’s passing is a profound loss—but his legacy, captured in images, memories, and the countless lives he touched, will endure. To his family, friends, and admirers, TV Days Drama Digest extends its deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the beauty, joy, and inspiration that Brad Everett Young shared with the world.