Gary Landyn Jacobs was remembered as a star on the baseball field and “a go-getter and a clown” by his uncle
NEED TO KNOW
- A North Carolina rising high school senior died in a tragic accident while driving to work on Aug. 14
- Gary Landyn Jacobs, who goes by his middle name, crashed his car into a tree while heading to his family's logging business at 4 a.m.
- Jacos was remembered by an uncle as “a go-getter and a clown on the baseball field that made everybody laugh”
A teenage boy in North Carolina died after crashing his car into a tree while on the way to work in the early hours of Thursday, Aug. 14.
High school student Gary Landyn Jacobs, 17, was headed to a job for his family's logging business around 4 a.m. when his car hit a tree on Canal Cove Road in Lake Waccamaw, according to WECT.
The logging crew was reportedly working in the nearby Green Swamp Preserve, according to Columbus County News.
A cause for the crash has not yet been revealed. PEOPLE contacted the Lake Waccamaw Police Department for comment.
“What he was going to do that morning… he wanted to be in the logging woods, he was going to work,” his uncle Josh Simmons told WECT of his nephew, who went by his middle name.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, anybody who knows Landyn knew he was going to be running a crew in the logging woods with his brother and daddy,” he added.
Jacobs, a student at East Columbus High School, was treated by emergency responders at the scene of the crash. However, he died from his injuries, WECT reported.
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“Gator family and community please keep the Jacobs family and our school in your thoughts as we have lost our beloved Landyn Jacobs. Always remember we are better together!,” East Columbus High School wrote on Facebook.
Speaking about his nephew, Simmons told WECT that Jacobs was a “a go-getter and a clown on the baseball field that made everybody laugh.”
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“He was a gem at second base. Just recently in high school, he won the MVP of our eastern tournament,” he continued. “He enjoyed riding four-wheelers. They put snorkels on their four-wheelers, and they go into ponds with them, and they loved it.”
“We are all about family, and if one of us hurts, then all of us hurt. We got each other back, and we are going to be there for each other, his Momma and Daddy, and Aunt,” Simmons continued.
Jacobs is survived by his parents, sister, brothers and extended family members, according to an online obituary.
Heartbreaking Twist in Lake Waccamaw Tragedy: The Life and Loss of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs
On the quiet morning of August 14, 2025, the small town of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, was shaken by a tragedy that would ripple through the community, leaving family, friends, and neighbors in a state of profound grief. Gary “Landyn” Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school senior and beloved baseball star, lost his life in a devastating car crash while driving to work at 4 a.m. Known for his infectious smile, striking blue eyes, and vibrant personality, Landyn was a young man full of promise, whose untimely death left an indelible mark on those who knew him. But it was what authorities discovered on the passenger seat of his wrecked truck that added a haunting layer to an already heartbreaking story.
A Life Full of Promise
Born on May 16, 2008, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, Gary Landyn Jacobs was the son of Greg Randal Jacobs and Heather Creech Jacobs. Growing up in Lake Waccamaw, Landyn was surrounded by a tight-knit family, including his sister Timber Hood, brothers Garret, Kendal, and Tyler, and a host of extended relatives who cherished him. Described by his uncle, Josh Simmons, as a “go-getter” and a “clown on the baseball field,” Landyn had a knack for bringing joy to those around him. His blue eyes and warm hugs were a source of comfort, and his presence radiated love, even in silence.
Landyn was a rising senior at East Columbus High School, where he excelled as a second baseman on the baseball team. His athletic prowess earned him the Most Valuable Player Award in a recent eastern tournament, and he was a key member of the Riegelwood team that won the Dixie Youth Baseball Division II Majors Dixie World Series in 2021. Despite his smaller stature, Landyn’s determination and work ethic made him a standout. “He was a scrappy little fella,” said Frankie Burney, North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball District II Director, recalling Landyn’s tenacity and respect for others.
Beyond the baseball diamond, Landyn was passionate about working in his family’s logging business. He was saving up money for his senior year, eager to contribute to the family legacy alongside his father and brother. His love for the outdoors extended to riding four-wheelers, which he and his friends would outfit with snorkels to navigate through ponds—a testament to his adventurous spirit. “He loved it,” Simmons said, painting a picture of a young man who lived life to the fullest.
The Fateful Morning
At 4 a.m. on August 14, Landyn set out for the Green Swamp Preserve, where his family’s logging crew was working. Driving along Canal Cove Road, a quiet stretch in Lake Waccamaw, he was alone in his truck, focused on getting to work. But tragedy struck when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, providing medical care at the scene, but Landyn’s injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead, leaving a community in shock and a family grappling with unimaginable loss.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official report yet released by the Lake Waccamaw Police Department. The early morning darkness, combined with the rural nature of the road, may have played a role, but speculation has been kept to a minimum out of respect for the family. What has captured the community’s attention, however, is the chilling discovery made by police when they forced open the door of Landyn’s wrecked truck.
A Heart-Wrenching Discovery
As authorities worked to secure the scene and investigate the crash, they faced difficulty accessing the interior of the heavily damaged truck. When they finally managed to pry open the door, they were met with a sight that left them momentarily frozen: lying on the passenger seat was Landyn’s baseball glove, a worn and cherished item that had accompanied him through countless games and practices. The glove, a symbol of his passion and dedication, was a stark reminder of the vibrant life cut short. For those at the scene, it was a moment that crystallized the tragedy—a young athlete, on his way to work, carrying a piece of his dreams with him.
The discovery of the glove added a poignant layer to the story, resonating deeply with the community. For Landyn’s teammates, coaches, and friends, it was as if the glove represented the unfulfilled potential of a young man who had so much left to give. “He was a gem at second base,” Simmons said, his voice heavy with emotion. “That glove was part of who he was.”
A Community in Mourning
The news of Landyn’s death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of grief on social media and in the community. East Columbus High School, where Landyn was a beloved student, issued a heartfelt statement on Facebook: “Gator family and community, please keep the Jacobs family and our school in your thoughts as we have lost our beloved Landyn Jacobs. Always remember we are better together!” The school’s baseball coach, Brad Smith, spoke of Landyn’s “happy outlook” and how he was “always a pleasure to be around,” both on and off the field. Retired teacher Fuller Royal echoed this sentiment, recalling Landyn’s friendliness from his first day as a freshman in English class.
On August 16, more than 300 community members gathered at 90 Bald Cypress Circle for a candlelight vigil to honor Landyn’s memory. The event, organized by his family, was a testament to the impact he had on those around him. Relatives shared stories of his humor and humility, with Margaret Jacobs noting, “He always kept somebody laughing, always. He was so humble.” Brandi Jacobs spoke of the “loving hugs” and the unspoken love conveyed through his expressive blue eyes. The vigil provided a space for the community to come together, sharing memories and offering support to Landyn’s parents, Greg and Heather, who were devastated by the loss of their son.
A Lasting Legacy
Landyn’s funeral service was held on August 20, 2025, at the East Columbus High School auditorium, officiated by Rev. Zack Jacobs. The choice of venue was fitting, as it was a place where Landyn had shone both as a student and an athlete. Following the service, he was laid to rest at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Bolton, surrounded by family and friends. A visitation the previous evening at Peacock Funeral Home in Whiteville allowed the community to pay their respects, with many leaving online condolences at www.peacockfuneralhome.net.
The Jacobs family has emphasized the importance of unity in the face of this tragedy. “We are all about family, and if one of us hurts, then all of us hurt,” Josh Simmons said. “We got each other’s back, and we are going to be there for each other, his Momma and Daddy, and Aunt.” The community’s response has been a source of comfort, with hundreds rallying to support the family through donations, flowers, and shared memories.
Moving Forward
As Lake Waccamaw mourns, the memory of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs lives on in the stories of his infectious laughter, his dedication to baseball, and his love for his family and community. The baseball glove found on the passenger seat of his truck serves as a powerful symbol of a life interrupted, but also of a legacy that will endure. For those who knew him, Landyn was more than an athlete with striking blue eyes—he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a beacon of light.
In the words of his uncle, Landyn was destined to “run a crew in the logging woods with his brother and daddy.” Though that future was stolen, his spirit remains a guiding force for a community united in grief and love. As they navigate this heartbreaking loss, the people of Lake Waccamaw hold fast to the memories of a young man who made everyone laugh, who played with heart, and who left an indelible mark on their lives.
Sources: Daily Mail, WECT, People, Columbus County News, Peacock Funeral Home