STATESBORO, Ga. — Nearly a year after the heartbreaking loss of her four-year-old son, a mother is channeling her grief into a powerful message for families about gun safety.

On May 29, 2025, young Landyn Wilkerson tragically lost his life due to injuries sustained from accessing an unsecured firearm. In memory of her son, Travyana Wilkerson organized an event called “Landyn’s Legacy” on Sunday. This community gathering was designed to educate both parents and children on the critical importance of firearm safety.

“This event is a way to honor my son in a manner that is both helpful and meaningful,” Wilkerson shared on Sunday. “We’ve brought in a couple of local officers to provide a brief overview of gun safety, and we’ve also arranged various activities to engage and entertain the kids.”

Participants at the event had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including learning about gun safety from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The event also featured face painting, coloring, a flight simulator experience, and fingerprinting for child ID cards.

The event saw participation from several local organizations, including the DNR, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Memorial Health, the Statesboro Fire Department, and the Statesboro Police Department, all united in support of this important cause.

Wilkerson previously told that planning this event had allowed her to find strength while grieving the loss of her son. She said today brings multiple emotions.

“It’s just a bunch of mixed emotions with the event itself,” she said. “I hope people actually show up and listen to the message you receive today, and you’ve got to actually take it seriously.”

Wilkerson hoped the mix of education and fun left more attendees understanding the message that she wanted them to walk away with:

“That one moment can determine life or loss and to know the importance of gun safety,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson added that she hopes that message is effective in the future.

“If what I did today makes a parent go home and actually lock their guns up, then I can say what I did was successful,” Wilkerson said. “I hope Landyn’s story can touch at least one parent.”

A candlelight vigil will be held in honor of Landyn at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.