In the quiet, close-knit community of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, a profound silence has fallen over the town, broken only by the collective grief of a family and community mourning the loss of 17-year-old Gary Landyn Jacobs. On the early morning of Thursday, August 14, 2025, a devastating single-vehicle accident claimed the life of a young man whose vibrant spirit and boundless potential left an indelible mark on those who knew him. As the sun began to rise over Canal Cove Road, Gary’s life was cut tragically short when his car collided with a tree, leaving a void that echoes through the hearts of his family, friends, and teammates.

Gary was no ordinary teenager. At just 17, he carried the weight of responsibility with a maturity beyond his years, rising before dawn to head to his family’s logging business, a trade he shared with his father and brother. The logging woods were more than a workplace for Gary—they were his calling. “Without a doubt, anyone who knew Landyn understood he was destined to be leading a crew in the logging woods,” his uncle, Josh Simmons, said with a mix of pride and sorrow. Gary’s work ethic was matched only by his passion for the rugged, hands-on life of logging, a legacy he was eager to carry forward.

But Gary’s life was far more than his work. As he prepared to enter his senior year at East Columbus High School, he stood on the cusp of new milestones, balancing academics with his love for baseball. A standout second baseman, Gary had recently earned the MVP title at an eastern tournament, a testament to his skill and competitive fire. On the field, he was a force—vibrant, tenacious, and a jokester whose infectious energy lifted his teammates and brought joy to spectators. “He was a go-getter,” Simmons recalled, “a kid who brought light to everyone around him.”

Off the field, Gary’s adventurous spirit shone just as brightly. He was often found tearing through the backroads of Lake Waccamaw on four-wheelers, sometimes outfitted with snorkels to plow through ponds in a daring display of his fearless nature. Those who knew him can still picture him laughing, mud-splattered and carefree, surrounded by friends who cherished his boundless enthusiasm for life.

The accident that took Gary’s life occurred in the pre-dawn hours as he drove to work, a routine he’d mastered with the discipline of someone far older. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, their sirens piercing the early morning calm, but despite their efforts, Gary succumbed to his injuries. The news sent shockwaves through Lake Waccamaw, a town of just 1,296 residents, where everyone feels like family. “We are all about family,” Simmons said, his voice heavy with emotion. “If one of us is in pain, then we all feel it.” The Jacobs family, known for their tight-knit bond, has been enveloped by the love and support of a community grappling with the same heartbreak.

As the town prepares to honor Gary’s memory, a candlelight vigil is set for Saturday night, August 16, 2025. Friends, family, and neighbors will gather to light candles, share stories, and celebrate a young man whose smile could brighten even the darkest moments. Tributes have already begun to pour in, with former teachers and coaches reflecting on Gary’s impact. “He was one of those kids you don’t forget,” one coach shared in a heartfelt post on X, echoing the sentiments of many who saw Gary as a beacon of potential and joy.

Gary Landyn Jacobs’ life was brief, but it burned brightly. He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend—a young man who lived with purpose and loved with abandon. As Lake Waccamaw gathers to say goodbye, they hold tight to the memories of a boy who raced through life with a grin, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an unbreakable spirit that will forever linger in the woods, on the field, and in the hearts of those who knew him.