Family Calls for Better Lake Warnings After Son Dies from Brain-Eating Amoeba In South Carolina

Two weeks after enjoying a lively Fourth of July on Lake Murray, a tragically avoidable incident occurred, leading to the untimely death of 12-year-old Jaysen Carr. The fatal cause was an amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri, which infiltrated his brain via his nasal passages. His shocked parents learned of the diagnosis from a tearful doctor after what initially seemed like routine headache and nausea. Unfortunately, Florida has no mandates for public reporting of such infections, leaving them to question if anyone would have known of this lurking threat.Jaysen was a vibrant child, curious and friendly, adored by friends and family alike. His passion for sports and music made his sudden decline even more heartbreaking. Despite its rarity—less than ten cases occur annually in the U.S.—the amoeba thrives in warm waters, typically during summer. A profound sense of urgency now accompanies his parents' desire for heightened awareness about this concealed danger in recreational waters.