MURRELLS INLET, S.C. — Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of 20-Year-Old Jacob Krusen After Fatal Motorcycle Crash
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. — It is with heavy hearts that family, friends, and the entire Murrells Inlet community mourn the passing of 20-year-old Jacob Krusen, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash on Monday morning. The Horry County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Jacob passed away from injuries sustained in the accident, leaving a community in shock and sorrow.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Highway 17 Bypass near Holmestown Road. Preliminary reports indicate that Krusen was traveling northbound on his motorcycle when he collided with another vehicle. Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders, Jacob succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
For those who knew him, Jacob Krusen was more than just a name in a tragic headline — he was a vibrant young man with a kind heart, a deep love for life, and an adventurous spirit that inspired everyone around him. Friends say he had a passion for motorcycles and the open road, but even more so, for the people he shared his life with.
“Jacob loved life — he loved the feeling of freedom on his bike, but he also loved his family and friends fiercely,” said close friend Ryan Matthews. “He wasn’t just living — he was thriving, and he made sure everyone around him felt alive too.”
Jacob was a 2023 graduate of St. James High School, where he was known for his humor, determination, and loyalty. He had recently started working full-time with a local construction company and was saving to start his own business. Family members say he was hardworking, dependable, and always the first to lend a hand when someone needed help.
“Jacob had dreams bigger than himself,” shared his mother, Lisa Krusen, her voice breaking with emotion. “He wanted to build something lasting — not just for him, but for everyone he loved. He was our light, and now that light feels dimmer.”
As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of grief flooded social media, where friends, classmates, and neighbors shared photos and memories of Jacob — his wide smile, his love for the beach, and his unwavering positivity.
On Monday night, dozens gathered at Morse Park Landing in Murrells Inlet for a candlelight vigil. Balloons, flowers, and candles surrounded a photo of Jacob seated on his beloved motorcycle, smiling proudly. Tears and hugs were shared among the crowd as they prayed for comfort and strength for his family.
“He was one of a kind,” said longtime friend Alyssa Green. “The type of person who would give you the shirt off his back and still make you laugh while doing it. We’ll never forget him.”
The Horry County Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact local law enforcement. Officials have also taken the opportunity to remind motorists about the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcyclists — a message that now carries a deeply personal weight for those mourning Jacob’s loss.
In a statement released Tuesday, Horry County Coroner Darris Fowler extended condolences to the Krusen family, saying,
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Mr. Krusen. We understand the immense grief that comes with losing someone so young, and we are keeping his family and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been created by friends to assist with funeral expenses and to honor Jacob’s memory through a memorial scholarship for local youth pursuing skilled trades — a cause that reflected his hardworking spirit and generous heart.
As Murrells Inlet comes to terms with this tragedy, those who knew Jacob say his legacy will live on through the love he shared and the lives he touched.
“He was only 20, but he lived more fully than most people do in a lifetime,” said family friend Mark Reynolds. “We’ll remember his laugh, his drive, and the way he made everyone around him feel special. That’s the Jacob we’ll carry with us forever.”
Funeral arrangements are being finalized, with services expected to take place later this week in Murrells Inlet. Family members are inviting the community to come together to celebrate Jacob’s life, honor his memory, and find comfort in one another’s support.
For now, Murrells Inlet stands united in grief — mourning the loss of a young life full of promise, and remembering Jacob Krusen not for the tragedy of his passing, but for the love, laughter, and light he left behind.
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