- 17-year-old baseball star Landyn Jacobs died in an early-morning car crash in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina.
- Jacobs was remembered as a talented, hardworking, and fun-loving athlete with a bright, caring personality.
- The community honored him with a candlelight vigil, highlighting his impact on family, friends, and teammates.
A quiet North Carolina town is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of a young athlete whose life was cut tragically short in the early hours of Thursday morning. Seventeen-year-old Gary “Landyn” Jacobs, a rising star on his high school baseball team, died in a car crash while on his way to work, leaving family, friends, and neighbors stunned and devastated.
Authorities reported that Jacobs was driving on Canal Cove Road in Lake Waccamaw around 4 a.m. when his vehicle struck a tree. Emergency crews arrived promptly and provided medical care at the scene, but despite their efforts, Jacobs succumbed to his injuries. The shock of his sudden death has rippled through the community, which now mourns the loss of a teenager with a bright future.
A Teenager with Big Dreams and a Strong Work Ethic
Jacobs was on his way to the family’s logging business when the accident occurred. His uncle, Josh Simmons, shared with WECT that Landyn had hoped to earn some extra money before returning to East Columbus High School for his senior year. “What he was going to do that morning… he wanted to be in the logging woods. He was going to work,” Simmons said. “Without a shadow of a doubt, anybody who knew Landyn knew he was going to be running a crew in the logging woods with his brother and daddy.”
Even at 17, Jacobs had a vision for his future. Those who knew him describe a young man with determination and energy, someone who took pride in working hard and supporting his family. Outside of his studies and baseball, he loved outdoor adventures, especially riding four-wheelers. Simmons recalled, “They put snorkels on their four-wheelers and they go into ponds with them. He loved that. He had a spark about him that made life fun for everyone around him.”
A Star on the Baseball Field
Jacobs’ talents were not limited to his work ethic. He was a gifted athlete who had left a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Simmons described him as “dynamic, a go-getter, a clown on the baseball field who made everybody laugh.” He excelled as a second baseman and had recently earned the Most Valuable Player Award in an eastern tournament.
Jacobs’ achievements went beyond individual accolades. He was part of the Riegelwood team that won the Dixie Youth Baseball Division II Majors Dixie World Series in 2021. Frankie Burney, the North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball District II Director, remembered Jacobs as a “scrappy little fella” who may have been smaller than some of his peers but worked tirelessly and treated his coaches and elders with respect. “He had that fire,” Burney said. “He made everyone around him better.”
His baseball coach at East Columbus Junior-Senior High School, Brad Smith, described Landyn as “always a pleasure to be around, on and off the field. He had a happy outlook on life and brought energy to everything he did.”
The Ripple Effect of Loss
The impact of Jacobs’ death has extended far beyond his family and teammates. More than 300 community members gathered on Saturday for a candlelight vigil, where they spelled out his name in glowing lights and shared memories of the young man who had touched so many lives. For neighbors and relatives alike, the loss feels personal.
Margaret Jacobs, a family member, recalled how Landyn “always kept somebody laughing. Always.” Brandi Jacobs, another relative, reflected on his warmth, saying, “I’ll miss his loving hugs and just that look that let you know he cared. You didn’t even have to hear the words—you could feel it.”
Teachers and mentors also expressed sorrow at the news. Fuller Royal, a retired teacher who had taught Jacobs in English, wrote on social media that he remembered the teen as “always friendly, cordial, good-humored, and even-tempered. He was the same every time you saw him.” Royal acknowledged that the town and the school would feel this loss deeply, calling Jacobs “a kind, hard-working, baseball-loving fellow” whose presence would be missed by all.
Community Bonds and Family Support
In the face of tragedy, the Jacobs family has found strength in their close-knit community. Simmons emphasized the importance of family, saying, “We are all about family. If one of us hurts, all of us hurt. We got each other’s backs, and we are going to be there for his mom, dad, and aunt.” He added that neighbors, friends, and community members had been incredibly supportive, helping the family navigate an unimaginable loss.
The town has rallied in shared grief. Friends set up memorials, shared stories online, and attended vigils to celebrate his life. The public response shows how a small community unites with compassion and support in times of tragedy.
Remembering the Joyful Spirit
Landyn Jacobs’ story is one of both heartbreak and celebration. While his family mourns the potential that was taken too soon, they also remember the energy, humor, and kindness that defined him. He was a young man who loved his sport, worked hard, and cherished the simple pleasures of life—whether that was a day in the logging woods, a ride through a pond on a four-wheeler, or the camaraderie of the baseball field.
The young athlete had dreams of finishing his senior year strong, leading his team, and making memories with friends and family. His sudden death serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, but also of the powerful mark one individual can leave in a community. As Simmons noted, “Without Landyn, there’s a piece missing in our hearts, but his spirit will stay with us.”
