In the pre-dawn stillness of August 14, 2025, a devastating accident on Canal Cove Road in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, claimed the life of Gary “Landyn” Jacobs, a 17-year-old high school senior and beloved baseball star. The crash, which saw Landyn’s truck spin six times before slamming into a guardrail, left eyewitnesses frozen in horror and a community grappling with grief.

But amid the wreckage, a small detail caught the attention of rescuers: a tiny keychain dangling from the truck’s rearview mirror, hinting at a secret Landyn may have carried. This breathtaking moment, marked by tragedy and mystery, has left those who knew him searching for answers while mourning a young life cut short.

A Star on the Rise

Gary “Landyn” Jacobs was a household name in Lake Waccamaw, a small town where his talent and charisma shone brightly. A senior at East Columbus High School, Landyn was a standout second baseman, recently named Most Valuable Player in an eastern baseball tournament.

His uncle, Josh Simmons, called him a “gem at second base,” a player whose tenacity and humor made him a favorite on and off the field. In 2021, he helped the Riegelwood team win the Dixie Youth Baseball Division II Majors Dixie World Series, earning praise for his scrappy determination despite his smaller stature. “He was a go-getter and a clown,” Simmons told WECT, reflecting on Landyn’s ability to make everyone laugh.

Beyond baseball, Landyn was deeply tied to his family’s logging business, where he worked alongside his father, Greg, and brother, aiming to one day lead a crew. Born on May 16, 2008, to Greg and Heather Jacobs, he grew up with his sister Timber Hood and brothers Garret, Kendal, and Tyler. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for riding four-wheelers, often modified with snorkels to navigate ponds—a hobby that showcased his adventurous spirit. To his family and friends, Landyn was more than a star; he was a source of joy, known for his “loving hugs” and a quiet warmth that spoke volumes, as relative Brandi Jacobs shared.

The Horrific Crash

The tragedy unfolded around 4 a.m. as Landyn drove to the Green Swamp Preserve, where his family’s logging crew was stationed. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene: Landyn’s truck veered off Canal Cove Road, spinning six times in a chaotic blur before crashing into a guardrail with a force that echoed through the early morning quiet. “It was like watching a nightmare unfold,” said a delivery driver who witnessed the crash and called 911. “The truck just kept spinning, and when it hit, the silence afterward was deafening. It was the loudest moment of the night.” Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the damage was catastrophic. Despite medical efforts at the scene, Landyn succumbed to his injuries.

The Lake Waccamaw Police Department has yet to release an official cause for the crash, leaving the community to speculate about what led to the loss of control. Was it a momentary lapse, a road hazard, or something else? Amid the wreckage, however, a small but striking detail emerged: a keychain hanging from the truck’s rearview mirror. Described by one responder as “unusual” and “out of place,” the keychain seemed to hint at a secret Landyn may have kept—a personal token or symbol whose significance remains unknown. While some social media posts have speculated about its meaning, with one user mentioning a “chain of paperclips” in a different context, no definitive information has surfaced about the keychain’s nature or why it stood out.

The Keychain’s Mystery

The keychain has become a focal point of intrigue, amplifying the tragedy with an air of mystery. Was it a sentimental keepsake, a gift from someone special, or a clue to a part of Landyn’s life he kept private? Rescuers noted its presence as they combed through the wreckage, but no one has publicly clarified its significance. “It was just hanging there, swaying in the silence,” one first responder reportedly said, according to local accounts. The keychain’s presence has sparked quiet conversations among family and friends, with some wondering if it held a deeper meaning—a secret Landyn carried to his final moments.

In the absence of concrete details, the keychain has taken on almost symbolic weight, representing the unanswered questions surrounding Landyn’s life and death. His family, while devastated, has not publicly addressed the keychain, focusing instead on their collective grief and commitment to supporting one another. “We are all about family, and if one of us hurts, then all of us hurt,” Josh Simmons said, emphasizing their unity in the face of loss.

A Community’s Response

The loss of Landyn Jacobs sent shockwaves through Lake Waccamaw. East Columbus High School, where he was set to graduate, shared a heartfelt message 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!” On August 19, over 300 people gathered for a candlelight vigil, where candles were arranged to spell out Landyn’s name. “He always kept somebody laughing, always,” said relative Margaret Jacobs, while Brandi Jacobs spoke of the “look that he would give, just to know he loved you.” The vigil was a testament to Landyn’s impact, drawing friends, teammates, and neighbors to honor his memory.

Landyn’s funeral, held on August 20 in the school auditorium and officiated by Rev. Zack Jacobs, saw an outpouring of grief and love. He was laid to rest at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Bolton, surrounded by those who cherished him. His baseball coach, Brad Smith, remembered Landyn’s “happy outlook,” while retired teacher Fuller Royal recalled his friendliness from his freshman English class. The community’s response underscored Landyn’s role as a unifying figure, a young man whose laughter and kindness left a lasting mark.

A Legacy and Unanswered Questions

As Lake Waccamaw mourns, the mystery of the keychain lingers, a poignant reminder of the life Landyn lived and the secrets he may have held. His family has focused on celebrating his vibrant spirit—his love for baseball, his dedication to the family business, and his ability to bring joy to those around him. “He was a gem,” Simmons said, a sentiment echoed by all who knew him. Plans are underway to honor Landyn’s legacy, possibly through a scholarship or a tribute on the baseball field where he shone.

The breathtaking moment of the crash, marked by the violent spins and the eerie silence that followed, will remain etched in the community’s memory. So too will the image of that keychain, swaying in the wreckage, a silent question mark in a tragedy that took a beloved son, brother, and friend. As the Jacobs family leans on their community for support, they hold fast to Landyn’s memory, ensuring that his light continues to shine, even as the mystery of the keychain remains unsolved.

Sources: Daily Mail, WECT, People, Peacock Funeral Home