Shocking Discovery: The Tragic Crash of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs and the Mystery of the Glove

On the morning of August 14, 2025, the small town of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, was rocked by the tragic death of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school senior and beloved baseball star. The accident, which occurred around 4 a.m. on Canal Cove Road, saw Landyn’s truck spin violently six times before slamming into a guardrail, leaving eyewitnesses stunned and a community in mourning. Amid the wreckage, a chilling detail emerged: a single glove, neatly folded on the passenger seat, as if someone had been waiting for him. This haunting discovery has sparked questions and speculation, adding a layer of mystery to an already heartbreaking loss.

A Beloved Athlete and Community Light

Gary “Landyn” Jacobs was a name synonymous with talent and warmth in Lake Waccamaw. A senior at East Columbus High School, Landyn was a standout second baseman, celebrated for his role in the Riegelwood team’s 2021 Dixie Youth Baseball Division II Majors Dixie World Series victory. Recently named Most Valuable Player in an eastern tournament, he was described by his uncle, Josh Simmons, as a “gem at second base” whose tenacity outshone his smaller stature. North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball District II Director Frankie Burney called him a “scrappy little fella” who respected his elders and worked tirelessly.

Off the field, Landyn’s infectious humor and vibrant energy made him a cherished figure. “He was a go-getter and a clown,” Simmons told WECT, recalling how Landyn could make anyone laugh. His love for life extended to riding four-wheelers through ponds, often with snorkel-equipped vehicles, a passion he shared with family and friends. Born on May 16, 2008, to Greg and Heather Jacobs, Landyn was a devoted son, brother to Timber Hood, Garret, Kendal, and Tyler, and a dreamer who aspired to lead his family’s logging business alongside his father and brother. That morning, he was driving to the Green Swamp Preserve to join the family’s logging crew when tragedy struck.

The Crash That Shook Lake Waccamaw

The accident unfolded in the pre-dawn darkness on Canal Cove Road, a quiet stretch familiar to locals. Witnesses described a horrifying scene: Landyn’s truck veered out of control, spinning six times before crashing into a guardrail with a force that reverberated through the stillness. “It was like the world froze,” a delivery driver who called 911 told local media. “The spins, the crash, and then… silence. It was the loudest silence I’ve ever heard.” Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, Landyn succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Lake Waccamaw Police Department is still investigating the cause, with no official report yet confirming whether speed, road conditions, or another factor was to blame.

Amid the wreckage, rescuers discovered something unexpected: a single glove, neatly folded on the passenger seat. Unlike the chaos of the crash, the glove’s careful placement stood out, as if untouched by the violence. Described by one responder as “almost deliberate,” the glove raised questions. Was it Landyn’s, left there for a reason? Or did it belong to someone else, hinting at a passenger or a planned meeting? The detail has fueled speculation, with no clear answers from authorities or family. Some on social media have wondered if it was a baseball glove, a nod to Landyn’s passion, but no confirmation has emerged.

The Mystery of the Glove

The neatly folded glove has become a focal point of intrigue, deepening the tragedy with an unsettling mystery. Was it a personal item with sentimental value, or did it suggest something more? The idea that it was placed “as if someone had been waiting for him” has stirred quiet conversations in Lake Waccamaw. No evidence suggests Landyn was not alone, and police reports have not mentioned a second occupant. Yet the glove’s pristine condition amid the wreckage has left many wondering if it held a significance known only to Landyn. His family has not publicly addressed the glove, focusing instead on their grief and the outpouring of community support.

The discovery echoes another detail from the crash: a keychain dangling from the rearview mirror, noted in earlier reports as potentially significant. Together, these items paint a picture of a young man whose final moments may have carried untold stories. While some speculate the glove could be a baseball mitt, symbolizing Landyn’s love for the sport, others question if it points to a secret meeting or a personal ritual. Without further details, the glove remains a poignant enigma, amplifying the sense of loss.

A Community in Mourning

The Lake Waccamaw community has rallied around Landyn’s family, reflecting the deep bonds he fostered. East Columbus High School, where he was set to graduate, shared a moving tribute: “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!” On August 19, over 300 people attended a candlelight vigil, where candles spelled out Landyn’s name. “He always kept somebody laughing,” said relative Margaret Jacobs, while Brandi Jacobs spoke of his “loving hugs” and unspoken affection.

Landyn’s funeral, held on August 20 in the school auditorium and officiated by Rev. Zack Jacobs, drew hundreds. He was laid to rest at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Bolton. His baseball coach, Brad Smith, praised his “happy outlook,” while retired teacher Fuller Royal remembered him as “always cordial, good-humored, and even-tempered” from his freshman English class. The community’s grief is palpable, with social media filled with memories of Landyn’s smile and kindness.

A Legacy Tinged with Mystery

Landyn’s death has left a void, but his legacy endures through the love he inspired. His family, anchored by unity, has vowed to support one another. “We represent family, and when one of us feels pain, we all feel it,” Josh Simmons said. Plans to honor Landyn include potential scholarships or tributes on the baseball field where he excelled. His obituary, published by Peacock Funeral Home, invited friends to plant trees in his memory, a nod to his connection to the land.

The glove on the passenger seat remains an unresolved mystery, a symbol of the questions left behind in Landyn’s sudden departure. Was it a simple keepsake, or did it hint at a story untold? As Lake Waccamaw mourns, the image of that neatly folded glove lingers, a haunting reminder of a life full of promise and the secrets it may have held. Landyn’s laughter, his hustle on the field, and his love for his family will live on, even as the community grapples with the mystery of that breathtaking moment.

Sources: People, Peacock Funeral Home, WECT, Internewscast Journal, Shine Magazine