Lake Waccamaw, N.C. (WECT) – A tight-knit community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Gary Landyn Jacobs, a rising senior at East Columbus High School, who died early Thursday morning in a tragic car crash.
The accident occurred around 4 a.m. as Jacobs was driving to work, a part of his effort to save money before the start of his final year of high school. According to authorities, his vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree in Lake Waccamaw. Emergency responders provided medical care at the scene, but despite their efforts, Jacobs succumbed to his injuries.
Described by friends and family as kind-hearted, hardworking, and full of potential, Jacobs had big plans for his senior year. He had been working diligently over the summer and was looking forward to returning to school to complete his final baseball season—something he was deeply passionate about.
“He was going to work,” his family shared, reflecting the dedication and responsibility that defined Jacobs’ character even at such a young age. “He wanted to help out, save some money, and enjoy his last year before graduation.”
The loss has sent shockwaves through the East Columbus High School community, where classmates and teachers remember him not just as a student and athlete, but as a friend and role model.
Counselors are being made available at the school to support students and staff affected by the tragedy. In the coming days, the community is expected to come together in memorial events to honor Jacobs’ life and legacy.
- As family and friends grieve, they ask for privacy and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Plans for a public memorial service have not yet been announced.
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