Candlelight Vigil for Gary ‘Landyn’ Jacobs, teen who died in car crash in Lake Waccamaw

LAKE WACCAMAW, N.C. (WECT) - The Lake Waccamaw community showed up in large numbers to support a family mourning their loved one.

They attended a public candlelight vigil for Gary ‘Landyn’ Jacobs on Saturday evening.

Jacobs died after a car accident on August 14 at 4:00 am.

He was on his way to work when his car crashed into a tree on Canal Cove Road in Lake Waccamaw.

Landyn was a rising senior at East Columbus High School.

The teenager played baseball and had hopes to finish his last year.

After an abundance of social media posts from friends, coaches, and classmates, his family wanted to hold a public ceremony.

Landyn’s uncle says having community and family support is helping them get through this difficult time.

“We are all about family, and if one of us hurts, all of us hurt. We got each other back, and we are going to be there for each other, his Momma and Daddy, Aunt. We are so supportive, the community members are really supportive,” said Josh Simmons.

The community says they’re getting through this tough untimely death by worshipping God.

While this is a sad occasion, the public vigil is allowing people to remember the good laughs shared with Landyn.

“He always kept somebody laughing, always. He was so humble,” said Margaret Jacobs, a relative.

Others say they’ll miss the way he made people feel.

“He will be missed by that loving hug that he would give you and just that look that he would give just to know he loved you,” said Brandi Jacobs, a relative. “Regardless if he didn’t say anything to you, you still know that you were loved by him when you were in his presence.”