Tragedy Strikes: The Heartbreaking Loss of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs

In the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, a tragedy unfolded in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, that left a tight-knit community reeling. Gary “Landyn” Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school senior known for his infectious smile, athletic prowess, and vibrant personality, lost his life in a devastating car accident. Just weeks away from completing his final year at East Columbus High School, Landyn was driving to work at his family’s logging business when his vehicle collided with a tree on Canal Cove Road at around 4 a.m. When rescuers arrived at the scene, the sight of the mangled wreckage and the young life lost silenced everyone, marking a moment of profound sorrow for all who knew him.

A Rising Star on and off the Field

Landyn Jacobs was more than just a high school student; he was a beloved figure in his community, admired for his dedication, humor, and unrelenting spirit. A standout baseball player at East Columbus High School, Landyn earned the nickname “a gem at second base” from his uncle, Josh Simmons. His talent on the field was undeniable, having recently been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of an eastern tournament. In 2021, he was part of the Riegelwood team that clinched the Dixie Youth Baseball Division II Majors Dixie World Series, a testament to his skill and tenacity despite his smaller stature. As North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball District II Director Frankie Burney recalled, Landyn was a “tenacious little guy” who worked diligently and respected his elders.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Landyn was known for his larger-than-life personality. Described as a “go-getter and a clown” by his uncle, he had a knack for making everyone around him laugh. Whether on the baseball field or in the classroom, Landyn’s positive outlook and infectious energy left a lasting impression. Retired teacher Fuller Royal, who taught Landyn in his freshman English class, remembered him as “always friendly, always cordial, always good-humored and even-tempered.” His ability to light up a room was matched only by his dedication to his family and his dreams.

A Life Cut Short

Landyn was born on May 16, 2008, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to Greg Randal Jacobs and Heather Creech Jacobs. He grew up in Lake Waccamaw, surrounded by a loving family that included his parents, sister Timber Hood, brothers Garret, Kendal, and Tyler, and extended relatives who cherished him deeply. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for riding four-wheelers, often equipped with snorkels to navigate ponds—an activity he shared with his family and friends. Landyn’s aspirations were clear: he planned to join his father and brother in running the family’s logging business, a goal he was actively working toward on the morning of the accident.

That fateful morning, Landyn was driving to the Green Swamp Preserve, where his family’s logging crew was stationed. According to reports, his car veered off Canal Cove Road and struck a tree. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no definitive explanation yet released by the Lake Waccamaw Police Department. Emergency responders provided medical care at the scene, but Landyn’s injuries were too severe, and he succumbed to them shortly after. The news sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family, friends, and classmates grappling with the sudden loss of a young man who seemed destined for greatness.

A Community in Mourning

The impact of Landyn’s passing was felt far and wide. East Columbus High School, where he was a rising senior, 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 became a focal point for communal grief, hosting Landyn’s funeral service on August 20, 2025, in its auditorium. The service, officiated by Rev. Zack Jacobs, was followed by a burial at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Bolton, where family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes.

On August 19, the evening before the funeral, over 300 community members came together for a candlelight vigil in Landyn’s honor. Candles were arranged to spell out his name, a poignant tribute to a young man who had touched so many lives. Relatives shared memories of Landyn’s infectious humor and loving nature. “He always kept somebody laughing, always,” said Margaret Jacobs, a family member. Another relative, Brandi Jacobs, spoke of his “loving hugs” and the unspoken affection he conveyed simply by being in his presence. The vigil underscored the deep sense of family and community that defined Landyn’s life, with his uncle Josh emphasizing, “We are all about family, and if one of us hurts, then all of us hurt. We got each other’s back, and we are going to be there for each other, his Momma and Daddy, and Aunt.”

Remembering Landyn’s Legacy

Landyn’s death has left an indelible mark on Lake Waccamaw, a small town where community ties run deep. His baseball coach, Brad Smith, described him as having a “happy outlook” and being “always a pleasure to be around and talk to on the field and off the field.” Classmates, teachers, and neighbors echoed these sentiments, recalling Landyn’s ability to bring joy to any situation. His love for life extended beyond sports and work; he found joy in simple pleasures like riding four-wheelers and spending time with his family, who were his anchor and his pride.

The tragedy has also sparked reflection on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Landyn’s story is a reminder of the unpredictability of fate—a young man with his whole future ahead of him, taken in an instant. His family, determined to honor his memory, has vowed to support one another through their grief. “We represent family, and when one of us feels pain, we all feel it,” Josh Simmons said, encapsulating the unity that defines the Jacobs family and their community.

Moving Forward

As Lake Waccamaw mourns, the community is finding ways to keep Landyn’s spirit alive. His love for baseball, his dedication to his family’s business, and his ability to make others smile will not be forgotten. The outpouring of support—through the vigil, the funeral, and countless messages of condolence—demonstrates the profound impact Landyn had in his 17 years. His obituary, published by Peacock Funeral Home, invited friends and family to share memories and plant trees in his honor, a fitting tribute to a young man who was so deeply connected to the land and his roots.

For those who knew Landyn, the pain of his loss will linger, but so too will the memories of his laughter, his hustle on the baseball field, and his unwavering love for his family. As the community navigates this heartbreak, they do so together, embodying the values Landyn held dear: family, resilience, and joy. In the words of his uncle, “He was a gem,” and that gem will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.

Sources: People.com, Peacock Funeral Home, Internewscast Journal, WECT