Union County Grieves Loss of Dan’treveion “Tre” Hobbs After Tragic Shooting at Indian Trail Taco Bell

Union County Grieves Loss of Dan’treveion “Tre” Hobbs After Tragic Shooting at Indian Trail Taco Bell

UNION COUNTY, N.C. (October 13, 2025) — A wave of grief and disbelief has engulfed the Union County community following the tragic and senseless death of Dan’treveion “Tre” Hobbs, a beloved young man whose life was cut short in a fatal shooting at a Taco Bell restaurant in Indian Trail on Monday night. What began as an ordinary evening at a familiar fast-food spot ended in unimaginable violence — leaving a family shattered and a community mourning the loss of a life brimming with promise.

Authorities say the shooting occurred around 9:45 p.m. inside the Taco Bell located on Highway 74, sending shockwaves through the typically quiet Indian Trail area. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots before police and emergency responders arrived on the scene. Tre Hobbs, only in his early 20s, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

As of Tuesday morning, the Union County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward.

“This is a heartbreaking loss,” said Sheriff Eddie Cathey. “We are working diligently to determine exactly what happened and to bring justice to this young man and his loved ones.”

A Beloved Son, Brother, and Friend

Dan’treveion Hobbs — known affectionately as Tre by his friends and family — was more than just a name in a tragic headline. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in the lives of so many. Those who knew him describe him as kind-hearted, respectful, and full of life. With a contagious smile and a personality that lifted up everyone around him, Tre had a way of making people feel seen and appreciated.

“He had the biggest heart,” said a family member. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He had dreams, and he was working hard to chase them.”

Friends and classmates remember Tre as a talented athlete, an encouraging presence, and someone who always rooted for others. After graduating from a local high school, he had recently begun working and considering trade school options, hoping to one day open his own business.

“He talked about building something for himself and his family,” said one longtime friend. “He was just getting started.”

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Tre Hobbs has rippled across Union County, prompting an outpouring of grief on social media and in the streets. Outside the Taco Bell, a makeshift memorial has taken shape — with candles, flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes left in his memory. Many of the messages reflect the deep pain his loved ones now carry and the senselessness of the violence that took his life.

“Gone too soon. We’ll love you forever, Tre,” one note read.
“You didn’t deserve this. Your light will never fade,” read another.

A vigil is being planned for later this week, where members of the community will gather to honor Tre’s memory and call for peace in the wake of yet another act of gun violence. Local leaders, pastors, and youth advocates are expected to attend, many of whom have expressed concern about the growing number of shootings involving young people in the region.

A Call for Justice and Healing

Tre’s family is now calling for answers and accountability, pleading for anyone with information to come forward. They are also urging the public not to let his death become “just another statistic.”

“Tre mattered,” said his aunt during a brief press conference. “He had dreams, a future, a family that loved him. Whoever did this didn’t just take one life — they broke the hearts of everyone who loved him.”

Community advocates are also calling for more investment in youth programs, mental health support, and violence prevention efforts, saying the time to act is now.

“We can’t keep burying our young people,” said Pastor Lionel Freeman of a local church. “We have to pour into them, protect them, and provide better paths forward. This is our wake-up call.”

Remembering Tre

In the days and weeks ahead, those who knew Dan’treveion Hobbs will remember the laughter, the hugs, the dreams, and the countless moments that defined who he truly was — a young man full of heart, ambition, and potential.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the family to help cover funeral expenses and to create a memorial scholarship in Tre’s name — a way to ensure his legacy lives on by helping other young people pursue their dreams.

As the investigation continues, Union County is left grieving not just a tragic loss, but also the senselessness of a world where a young man’s future can be stolen in an instant.