Meet the man who helped create custom caskets for victims of Uvalde school shooting

WFAA's Kevin Reece first met Trey Ganem in 2014, when a trailer fire in Edna, Texas claimed the lives of five brothers and sisters.

[@biggestboofer]

That's gotta be such a hard job for him mentally. Listening to 19 grieving families learning the passions, dreams, and aspirations of 19 deceased children and then making those caskets must be so incredibly emotional.

[@dakat1726]

It's hard, but incredibly rewarding too, to know you are directly touching and helping families heal. Now when they think of their beautiful child buried, they will have warm memories instead of thinking of their child in a cold, dark place.

[@karenfries170]

Almost as if the casket wraps its arms around each child providing comfort at this time of sadness. And, speaking about those dear children is truly one way to honor their footprints on this Earth!

[@neldakerr5438]

@@dakat1726 we

[@juliaweber212]

But an honor I bet

[@zxyatiywariii8]

What an awesome guy, using his skills to give the families something beautiful in which to lay their beloved children to rest. I wish there were more people like him, he's such a blessing! ❤️❤️❤️ He's one of these rare people whose life spreads so much love

[@lisalee9695]

Some people are born with hearts bigger than life, thank you for everything you do for these grieving families no words can explain your generosity

[@lc_kona]

Thank you for healing them. 🙏

[@billbobaggins8133]

liar

[@jeanhendersonharley3228]

Amen definately what a blessing

[@matiasblanco4300]

@@billbobaggins8133 please take your negative comments somewhere else this is sad

[@kerrijodierberger]

@@billbobaggins8133 you are a sick individual.

[@tammylou2523]

As a mother who has lost a child not as young as the little one, mine was 19💙 I know they are beyond devastated, because the pain of losing a child is so much more than just loosing someone, it's a undescribable pain. What this man has done for these family's is the real meaning a of hero, someone who shows compassion for others! Thank you sir for that little bit of peace you gave them. They will be forever grateful for you ❤️ Momma's and daddy's my heart hurts for you,I cry for you I know your pain, it is a pain that is so intense at times that you can't even imagine going one more day, but you will find strength and through prayers and love from your family and friends you will slowly move forward... Again I'm so sorry 🫂❤️❤️

[@abbybaker5900]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@alexosow]

How did your child pass away?

[@V1llian_P1ece]

@@alexosow thats what im wondering too

[@abbybaker5900]

@@V1llian_P1ece same

[@amhoodie5678]

My deepest well wishes and love to you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Much love and my sincerest condolences for you and your family again.

[@kurtcurtis2730]

What a generous thing to do. The families have so much already on their shoulders. Taking that expense away as you did moves me nearly to tears. Bless you brother

[@britneygoth3811]

It's a lie. All actors.

[@andrewhoward4523]

This man is awesome for what he did. I can only imagine how he felt, hearing about 19 innocent children who lost their lives. Bless you, sir.

[@DeeFeeCee]

@Moving Forward Be rude somewhere else.

[@Kumorini]

You're forgetting the teachers, life is equal and the kids lives aren't more important than the teachers just because of age, they could've been breadwinners.

[@larrysgdzthebest3009]

And the teachers ^

[@peepeepoopoo8006]

Probably pretty comparable to the way you felt since he didn’t know any of the victims

[@RitaBowen1]

@@Kumorini Don't be rude he said he had done one teacher and he was ready to do the other ones if that's what their family wanted read before you make your smart remarks

[@kelammo]

Bless this man & his crew. This is something most don’t think about, but he has the humanity that the shooters lack.

[@cherylbrown6976]

Amen blessings to them all .

[@n_pe3411]

he got moeny from it ididiot\

[@kidrobot.]

yeah, im sure not most people think about making caskets

[@buddyontheweb]

There seems to be some missing humanity in those who stood by and watched.

[@kelammo]

@@buddyontheweb there were a lot of fails, but this team, they gave all they could to the parents. Picking a casket is hard enough for someone grown. But to find out who your kid was & what they loved made them mean even more ❤️

[@Babyvalkyie]

The amount of empathy it takes for a person to learn this craft and have this job...and take such care with such a sad sad reality...I wish him nothing but the best, and my heart genuinely hurts for all those affected by gun violence or have lost a child period.

[@Babyvalkyie]

@Lokito I said what I said.

[@Babyvalkyie]

@Lokito Yes, you definitely did.

[@sithslime]

I think this was the man that did my uncles casket. My uncle was always sick and in pain but fought it to be happy and spread love to his family. He wanted a Superman casket because that was his favorite hero. He was also my best friend, we spent countless hours talking on the phone and would go out to eat and watch movies. He was like another father to me, rest easy Tio Jacob. Watch over these families that have lost so much more, and take care of the innocent spirits that were these children and teachers.

[@madiedavis3773]

Did he get his Super man casket?

[@farticlesofconflatulation]

I love a great uncle story. As a proud uncle without kids of my own, I want to be the best I can for my nieces and nephews. May your dearest uncle rest in eternal peace.

[@aaronberns8485]

This man is awesome at what he does. He really cares about the children and the families. Decorating is not easy to begin with. Decorating 19 caskets for 19 kids in 3 days is one of the hardest things ever. It really does hurt. You have to be extremely brave to do it, but he did it for the families to help celebrate the lives of their children. He sends a positive message to smile because these children changed the world forever.

[@maigepresents5840]

More than the worm Abbott has done... shameful. He needs to go

[@britneygoth3811]

It's a fable, folk.

[@Rose7576_]

This is so sad but so sweet. He truly cares about what he’s making and the meaning behind it. He gets to know the families personally so he can be sure he’s honoring their children the way they should be honored. Nothing can fix the grief they’re feeling, but it sure is a helpful act of kindness.

[@leoniehendrickson2530]

Amen....he has a very big heart protect him dear Lord Jesus Mr your reward is in heaven so please strive for there

[@hilo2-est3-elev]

Ugh... TikTok that is the worst video streaming service 8I will buy the company and shut it down.

[@cheesecheesecheese6265]

@@hilo2-est3-elev no one asked 💀

[@hilo2-est3-elev]

@sydney! It is bad for people and ruins their brain and teaches kids to do bas stuff like devios licks.

[@COUNTERCOM]

I cannot think of a greater disrespect than putting a deceased child in a TikTok casket.

[@S_Carol]

He is so right in saying that a little conversation starter about the deceased (like his caskets are) is the beginning of healing for their loved ones. It's the moment when the happiness from the time you had with them starts overtaking the sadness from that time being over. The sadness won't go away, so healing is just about letting the happy memories be stronger and more present than the sadness.

[@dragonluvaIII]

This had to be one of the hardest jobs in the world. I can only imagine how many tears this man may have shed pouring himself into the craftsmanship of each casket.

[@franksavage8031]

Yes, and also the morticians who had to try and restore the dead.

[@Littlekitten_]

@@franksavage8031 i agree, especially the ones in Chicago where it’s usually kids and young people who are gun victims.. i cant imagine

[@elliottstevens7168]

At the end of the day the bodies will be eaten by bugs and maggots.. sure looks pretty though

[@mamatwitch3982]

@@elliottstevens7168 ooh Edgelord. Keep your miserable comments to yourself. Let an act of kindness and grace be that.

[@mariyahj8609]

I agree ☝🏽, also the doctors 🥼 and morticians need credit too !

[@Alvan81]

This man has a heart of kindness. You can see how much this calling has taken out of him.

[@tomb.1972]

The other part of it is, he'feels the privileged and need to do it.

[@MalibuDollface]

His heart is so sweet for this!

[@scoobycrew]

Your an amazing gift to these families sir. Nothing will bring these kids back. The sincere acts of kindness from strangers and businesses during this tough time is unbelievable.

[@shannonward-urrabas1543]

He’s truly a hero. I wish this was available to me when my child died. My heart breaks for every parent.

[@rubiferrer2419]

I'm so sorry for your loss 😔

[@evitaevita98]

Yes, I'm so sorry. May he rest in peace.

[@natnatbat]

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. You are stronger than I could ever know. And your baby will forever be watching over you.

[@chelseadonae8601]

❤️

[@ani108pe]

I’m so sorry for your loss,

[@mariekamerdula7641]

Bless his soul. He's what I refer to as walking angels. People who want nothing more than to help you when you're in need.

[@darkdemigod]

and hey if his tacky gaudy casket business is bolstered by a tragedy, that's just all right too

[@yellowbird5411]

@@darkdemigod Your name says it all.

[@alesiap.6062]

@@yellowbird5411 What is with all of these troll comments on here? I fear these are kids who are just like this shooter! Incels, loners, and clearly in need of massive mental treatment. How dark and evil these ppl are making these horrible comments. Ughh

[@tj1435]

@@darkdemigod The video said he runs a car painting business, this is volunteer work

[@thesavagemonster2910]

This single man put more effort into making those caskets than a whole police department going after an active shooter.

[@familygain6886]

Bittersweet to hear this story. I've lost my mom to COVID. And getting to talk about it like you said starts the healing process. Rest in love to these children!

[@Raven135]

What an incredible human being. Thank you for your generosity, love and respect for these victims.

[@kristingallo2158]

Uhh he got paid.

[@mindyourbusiness302]

@@kristingallo2158 no ma'am He donates his service for unfortunate situations as this..

[@Raven135]

@@mindyourbusiness302 Thank you for setting that lady straight!

[@Raven135]

@@kristingallo2158 Actually he didn't, but if he did get paid he surely and certainly went out of his way for the families of these precious children murdered by a psychopath.

[@amylee8969]

Can you imagine how wonderful this world would be if everyone was like them?

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

Give this guy a medal. He has made a tragedy hurt a little less for the families.

[@Kinypshun]

@@SgtLucci He did not charge them. They are gifts.

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

@@SgtLucci you’re projecting.

[@belmarmom]

Well said.

[@leighcarlson87]

NOTHING will make those families hurt less. We need to DO SOMETHING to stop the violence.

[@leighcarlson87]

@Lokito these shooters are Americans born and raised. There is no correlation between welfare and the guys who commit these mass killings. Your ideas do nothing to solve mass shooting murders. My idea is to ban private possession of weapons of mass destruction.

[@Ydce1891]

I have so much love for them. We lost my sister to cancer when she was four. It’s such a beautiful way to use their skills to share their love to strangers who have been met with the ultimate loss.

[@mom2mmpt]

What a tribute to the victims and their families. A tough job indeed but ultimately very rewarding knowing how much you help families at their darkest time.

[@miked815]

This man found a true purpose and that's really nice of him to make the final stage of someone's life just a tiny bit better.

[@mariyahj8609]

I agree ☝🏽

[@carmelasatera713]

What a wonderful man, so selfless, so kind. He's a special man, that's for sure.

[@Tirrell25]

Yeah he is.

[@chocoholic832]

Watching this literally made me cry. Those poor little souls. So heartbreaking. This man has a heart of gold doing this for the families of those they've lost.

[@ellarose2357]

Thank you so much for doing this. I’m sure these victim’s families appreciate your kindness and generosity.

[@Kinypshun]

I don't know how the families are getting through this - I'm sobbing watching this. He's truly another angel among us, doing this beautiful thing for the families of those little angels.

[@melissasalazar1436]

Amen sister!

[@thepillow13e39]

Among us?

[@Kinypshun]

@@thepillow13e39 "Angels among us" is a figure of speech often used to describe empathic/selfless individuals, not meant to be taken literally.

[@alesiap.6062]

@@Kinypshun OH it's quite literal. There are absolutely angels around us.

[@mizzury54]

Me too . I started before I clicked on the video.

[@amaliovillanueva6409]

This man and his workers are simply amazing!!! U are a bright and shining light in this darkness my friend!!!!

[@litas5366]

This made me cry. I just can't imagine what family and friends are going through right now. Bless your heart sir for doing a wonderful job helping the victim's family!

[@Mari.s.M]

What an amazing person that gives back so much love to strangers. Thank you for your labor of love. Blessings!

[@willsmithhitme7728]

How in the world was he able to do that many caskets in that short of time?!! Whoever this man is, Oh my word. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@finlav335]

Looks like he has helpers in the video. And I would think the caskets he made were smaller than the big ones.

[@mariyahj8609]

I can imagine he’s not doing them all by himself and he has a crew.

[@misslinh4115]

they worked like 15+ hours every day

[@filmscreenamation]

He had some people help sand it down and paint. He didn't sleep a lot. Got the caskets shipped overnight from another state 18 wheeler brought it.

[@Tirrell25]

Im just as emotional as this man is when he talks about it. One thing i hate more than anything is hurting the kids or taking advantage of the elderly and weak. This man has a pure heart.

[@thebladethestoneandthearro47]

😘😍🤙

[@pickles7168]

I feel that way too. I'm only 14 so I can't really do much to help with that stuff, but I am extremely empathetic and I hate when little ones are harmed or when the elderly are taken advantage of too. My mom is the same way. One time we were visiting my great grandmother and this guy kept calling her and trying to trick her into giving him money because he knew she was elderly. My mom took the phone and cussed him out, even though we're a Christian family and don't cuss. Sad that people today do this :(

[@MrCmon113]

@@pickles7168 You can do things. Even if you're weak you can still pick up a knife or better yet a gun and become dangerous to anyone.

[@sheelfjohnson]

@@pickles7168 Don't listen to Taxtro - you are already a strong person without a knife or a gun. It's cowards who think they need those things.

[@pickles7168]

@@sheelfjohnson thank you

[@DEVILTAZ35]

That is incredible. It is one of the hardest things to even think about when you lose a loved one . I can only imagine how much more difficult it is when that loved one is a child.

[@patriciawilliamsn9605]

You are a wonderful man. Thank you for doing this for the families. This helps the families know someone cares, someone wants to show how special each child was. Again, thank you

[@Lissa11638]

That is one of the kindest, BIGGEST acts of humanity that I have witnessed in a very long time! Trey, you touched my heart 💗🙏! Thank You, TRULY, from the bottom of my heart!

[@gbb5642]

Painting a coffin?

[@mymindseyesees2002]

G Bb maybe you’re a kid, I don’t know, but it took/takes a lot of time and effort to paint these coffins and additional details. Always a brat in the comments

[@Lissa11638]

@@gbb5642 He custom painted each coffin after meeting with each family & learning about their deceased child SO YEAH...I MEAN PAINTING A COFFIN! This was a gift of his heart & of his soul! 🙏💗🙏💗🙏💗🙏💗

[@gbb5642]

@@mymindseyesees2002 I'm upset because those kids should be alive

[@gbb5642]

@@Lissa11638 it does nothing, those children are dead when they shouldn't be. It's romanticizing death, makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside when we should be boiling red hot with anger.

[@jk3dad]

What an amazing act of kindness, bless him

[@johanakeene1464]

This man is absolutely amazing! What a beautiful kind-hearted person. This world needs more people like him in it!

[@Doggo_Norse]

I'd re-die if I had a Tik Tok casket....

[@sillystephys7123]

Please take care of yourself sir. That is a heavy burden to handle. Thank you for doing this for these families

[@zudemaster]

I can not imagine having to go to a funeral for a child, i hope i never have to.

[@davesanders9203]

Well,,,,,, I'll tell you real simple: The memory is forever burned into to you.

[@Little_Lepus]

Nobody knows grief like a parent that's lost a child, thanks for doing what you can to ease the burden

[@miaseclecticcuisine8182]

Thanks for supporting those families it's needed and you're a blessing sir

[@anntrope491]

BLESS YOU FOR THIS SACRED WORK...HONORING THESE INNOCENT VICTIMS...BLESS THEM ALL! ♡☆♡

[@jeanhendersonharley3228]

amen

[@kathyl6573]

Wow they are beautiful ! Thank you for being such a giving and caring person

[@donnajackson7459]

Just WOW my eyes are so teared up, such an emotional time in all aspects. This man has done a beautiful thing for the families.

[@living9377]

Thank you for what you did. You will be rewarded big time for this. Blessings to you and your family for having empathy and helping those in need.

[@flowerpowergirl343]

What a wonderful human being, We need more people in the world like him!!! That’s what you call A man with a true heart!!!!

[@daisysky6705]

In my eyes you are a beautiful soul helping those who can’t be here with us. So sad.

[@amberfryer9709]

I clicked to pay my respects, but this was far more uplifting and wholesome than I initially thought. "When you talk about the child it starts the healing process." wow

[@TheRealCatof]

Paying respects is nice and all, but make sure you vote in the elections to stop this.

[@MrCmon113]

@@TheRealCatof Voting to outlaw coffins.

[@MszEveryShot]

This man will be blessed in so many ways for the kind heart he has and nothing can convince me I'm wrong.

[@tammyburke9453]

Bearing witness to 19 grieving families suffering an unfathomable tragedy is HUGE add painstakingly Creating a Lasting Final Memory for each is super hero level. You lift us all up! Many thanks.

[@hippiecowgirl4231]

Superhero level. EXACTLY !

[@rachelannapolaro8969]

Bearing witness to their grief.

[@DillonColtMusic]

What an amazing guy.

[@norijean3279]

Such beautiful caskets, that's the ultimate gift, the children would've been moved and grateful to know they would be buried in such caskets...

[@rosemaryortega9879]

One person and his team making a huge difference in soooo many lives, is incredible!!! Blessings!!! :(

[@audisnewbeginning8616]

This man needs a GoFundMe. My friend makes caskets for pets, his cost for wood, or steel is $600 to $800 use shipping. He provides them for FREE for Vets, Widows or Widowers, AAO Animals, And Services Animals, Police Dogs, Military Dogs and any child of low income family who loses a best friend. What this man does in give q dignified, loving casket to a child or victim, so the parents and families don't have to worry about something as hard, and complicated or expensive when they have lost a child or love one to one of these evil shooters and Events. That allows them to try to cope and grieve as well as honor those lost. This man deserves support and donations to lighten his financial and emotional load, and sadly continue on focusing on his passion of creating these amazing services to families until hopefully his work is no longer needed as the lambs can be protected from the lions. 🙏

[@melindaroop1346]

He needs something else set up. GoFundMe keeps part of the money...I learned that after my grandson passed away and people were donating to a one set up by a family member. We had a bank account set up instead.

[@ciz8091]

Salute to the man! It’s sad that he even has to make customs for these babies but it’s very heart warming that he is doing this for these family’s.

[@carollowe3704]

thank you for sharing your (and your staff's) talents to help the community remember the funerals as so special.

[@shilohivy4590]

What an incredible human being. We need more like this man. How awful that this happened at all. Senseless.

[@margarettownsend4141]

I sincerely hope that Mr. Ganem will be richly rewarded throughout his lifetime for the great gift of compassion and kindness he has given to these grieving families. What a beautiful human being!

[@dahinsoncoj]

What a thoughtful contribution to reflect its contents actually contain a soulful life. Thank you and your crew.

[@JohnsonWildlife]

What an amazing gift from an incredible man! Thank you from Texas!!

[@teresalockwood2718]

What a respectful citizen displaying so much love for these lovely little souls.

[@alfonsonation]

This is both incredibly beautiful and terribly devastating at the same time. These poor kids shouldn't have been through this. 'Heartbreaking' is an understatement.

[@cheryla2557]

What a beautiful gesture during such incomprehensible tragedy… gives one still hope for humanity despite such evil being witnessed😭🙏💔

[@brooklynny8617]

This is an act of love for other people. Terrible that he needs to do this, but I am sure the families that lost children, siblings that lost siblings, are grateful to know that someone cared enough to do this.

[@judymelchert3966]

Wonderful people to do such a thoughtful thing. Bless you all for caring so much about those children and their families.

[@JukeboxBalowski]

Hearing about this shooting really put a deep sadness into me that I don't think I can ever get rid of, and I wasn't even related to any of those children. I can't even imagine what the families must be feeling and must be going through, but I know it must be extremely horrible.

[@michellelang9633]

💔😭💔😭 It saddens me so much. I'm sad about ALL mass shootings but truly heartbroken when it is children.

[@JukeboxBalowski]

@@michellelang9633 I know. I can't stop thinking about it. I cried when I first saw the news report about the shooting, and then the reports just kept getting worse and worse.

[@michellelang9633]

@@JukeboxBalowski I can't agree more 💔😭💔

[@mymindseyesees2002]

May I ask if you are male or female? It seems like a strange question, I know, but I am noticing on these videos that 99% + that the comments expressing sympathy and sadness over this event are from women whereas a lot of men leave cold and callous remarks and it’s hard for me to take. I’d like to see men with the same amount of empathy as I see with women.

[@JukeboxBalowski]

@@mymindseyesees2002 I am a male. I have a lot of empathy for the victims and their families. But what I don't sympathize with is the politicians who are using this event as an excuse to push gun control laws. I live in NYC where we have some of the strictest gun laws in America, yet there are neighborhoods where there are shootings every night. Gun control obviously isn't the answer. If anything, this shooting makes me want to carry a gun even more. And buy even more poweful guns. To be able to defend myself and my family. Especially when I hear that the cops waited outside for over an hour and did nothing while young children were being shot and killed. The police obviously aren't going to protect us.

[@rainbowlove5391]

Where can I send a love offering to this man for the caskets. So wonderful.

[@MichelMawon4982]

What a kind way to share his talent

[@maryakai1397]

This makes me hug my 3 yr old child and just get very emotional I just can’t think nor process what happened....they didn’t deserve this...my deep condolences to the family that’s going thru this and any other parents who lost their child, I wish you the best and may your child Rest In Peace.

[@mipajaro1]

No child should pass away before a parent at any age.

[@jackiethompson3144]

This is so sad and emotional but a beautiful blessings that this young man is giving to these families🙏🏾

[@kristenyoung2619]

Bless your heart. We needed this! im glad to see the humanity in a time so dark as this.

[@fan_girl21]

just amazing, and so touching. Grateful we have people like him. 🙏

[@missaIIsunday]

what a kind mind, heart, & soul he has💓 “19 kids in 3 days” man i can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been for him to make those.

[@g.firelight5640]

Thank you sir. You give a bit of light in the darkness. A touch of humanity in a world that runs short of it at times.

[@Sylphinator]

Thank you for doing this for these families... Small consolation for the horrendous sorrows they now face... Heroes for sure.. I am so heartbroken over all these children we have lost. ALL of them in shootings every last one. We need change. This cant keep happening.

[@maxmendoza4352]

That’s a nice gesture bro keep up the hard work you do man may all those beautiful kids rest in peace

[@kathy7613]

Bless you all for your kindness and compassion

[@melijem1775]

Thats is so sad... we need more people such a amazing caskets... All them deserve to have RIP their favorite personal❤

[@lexijohnson374]

this is emotional. bless this man and those families right now

[@kyrah1313]

I work in the funeral industry & have never seen such beautiful caskets made. Mate much respect to you. Rest in peace & healing love to all involved.

[@ccMomOfJays]

SoulShine Industries Edna Tx

[@gr8carn4u]

You sir, are a gift to those families. You can never be thanked enough for what you have done. Humanity in a time of sorrow. Thank you for all that you’ve done.

[@denisesalles7248]

What a wonderful human being - prayers and eventual peace to the families.

[@KnickieR2682]

This was such a beautiful tribute to these beautiful children. My heart is absolutely broken for these families, friends and community of this horrible tragedy.

[@kellyoyens1547]

You're a GREAT MAN to being doing this for all of these families

[@karenfries170]

What an amazing gift to those poor, sweet children and their families. It must be hard making these beautiful caskets knowing and feeling the loss of each child. Thank-you!

[@doglover19601]

You have a gift, huge heart, and a blessing to many.

[@dianehermann3342]

Ty so much for being there for the families you have a amazing heart 💜 🦋💜

[@jas7869]

He is so sweet and those caskets are so awesome! This really shows how creative he is to transfer his talent like that.

[@nine9me]

Trey is a local hero, such a blessing to have him here in Edna Tx.

[@isko8959]

thankyou for all the kindness sir.including all your workmates. blessyou

[@xbxrbiegutzx]

This man designed my nephews casket and sent it to us for free in California ❤️. We still appreciate and love him so much for this❤️!!

[@Tali5899]

What a kind,thoughtful person.He seems to be more understanding and caring than a lot of therapists.

[@exnihilog.4421]

Much respect and admiration for your compassion and kindness. May you receive all the blessings in the world along with their families and loved ones.

[@alang3798]

Such a wonderful human being... I commend him on having the ❤️ to be the man he is and bringing life to those children's families who are grieving. It's so great when humble, talented people allow their gift to bring others a happy moment during their pain.

[@luisrjacobo82]

Thank you for making it a little easier on those families that lost there beautiful children.

[@bear8469]

he seems like such a sweet man, and his work on the caskets are amazing.