Remembering Trey Yates: West Virginia Agricultural Leader Dies in Tragic Car Accident
The farming and agricultural community of West Virginia is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Trey Yates, the founder and CEO of Greenbrier Dairy LLC. Yates, a well-known advocate for local food systems and sustainable agriculture, tragically passed away in a car accident on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Meadow Bridge, West Virginia. He was just 28 years old.
A Tragic Accident That Shook a Community
According to early reports, the fatal car crash occurred along a rural stretch of road in Meadow Bridge. Authorities have not yet released full details regarding the circumstances of the crash, but friends and family quickly confirmed the tragic news on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the state.
The loss of Trey Yates sent shockwaves through the farming community, where he was considered not only a business leader but also a deeply passionate innovator, mentor, and friend. Tributes from fellow farmers, local food advocates, and public officials flooded Facebook and other platforms, highlighting just how far-reaching his impact had become.
Who Was Trey Yates?
Trey Yates was a visionary entrepreneur and a tireless advocate for West Virginia agriculture. As the founder of Greenbrier Dairy LLC, Yates established a trusted local brand that specialized in high-quality, farm-fresh dairy products. What set his operation apart, however, was not just the quality of the milk and cheeses his dairy produced—but his hands-on commitment to delivering them directly to customers and businesses across the region.
In addition to running his own dairy business, Trey Yates served as a Rural Market Technical Assistance Specialist with the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition. In this role, he worked closely with farmers and market leaders to develop sustainable food systems, improve distribution logistics, and support the economic vitality of rural West Virginia. His work often involved assisting other entrepreneurs, organizing training sessions, and helping local food producers navigate business and regulatory challenges.
A Champion of Local Food and Community Sustainability
Trey’s passion for agriculture extended beyond the farm. He was widely recognized for championing local food systems and advocating for food security in underserved communities. Through his work with the Food & Farm Coalition, Yates helped build stronger connections between rural farmers and urban markets—bridging gaps that long hindered access to fresh, local produce for many West Virginians.
Yates’s enthusiasm and warmth made him a beloved figure at farmers’ markets, community events, and agricultural fairs. He believed strongly in empowering small farms, preserving traditional farming methods, and fostering a food economy that benefited both producers and consumers.
A Legacy That Will Endure
The sudden and tragic death of Trey Yates has left a gaping hole in West Virginia’s agricultural landscape. His legacy, however, will live on through the countless lives he touched, the systems he helped build, and the values he instilled in those who worked alongside him.
As friends and colleagues continue to grieve, many are calling for a renewed commitment to the causes Trey championed. Plans are already in discussion for memorial scholarships or community projects that could carry forward his vision for a resilient and sustainable rural economy.
Final Thoughts
Trey Yates’s life was one of passion, purpose, and impact. He was more than just a dairy farmer—he was a force of positive change in a state that deeply benefited from his vision. While his journey was tragically cut short, the ripple effects of his work will be felt for generations to come.
As the investigation into the accident continues, his loved ones have asked for privacy while they grieve. In the coming days, details about funeral arrangements and memorial services are expected to be announced.
