12-year-old child succumbs to infection caused by brain-consuming amoeba in South Carolina lake.
Tragedy Strikes Richland One Student: Family to Raise Awareness About Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba
A heart-wrenching incident has unfolded in South Carolina, as a 12-year-old student named Jaysen Carr from Richland One tragically lost his life after contracting the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. The incident occurred over the weekend at Lake Murray.
The family of Jaysen Carr has announced funeral arrangements and plans to address the media next week, following the young boy's funeral. The Celebration of Life for Jaysen will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 2:00 PM at Shandon United Methodist Church, with a Lying In State ceremony taking place an hour prior, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Visitation for Jaysen will be held on Friday, July 25, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Myers Mortuary & Cremation Services At Alpine Road.
In a statement sent to WACH FOX, the family's attorney, Tyler Bailey, confirmed that a private investigation into Jaysen's death is underway. Bailey also mentioned that the family intends to use this tragic event to raise awareness about health-related issues coming from freshwater lakes in South Carolina.
Naegleria fowleri infection is extremely rare but present in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. While South Carolina does not currently conduct routine testing for the amoeba, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent infection.
To minimize the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection, it's strongly recommended to avoid activities that force water up the nose, such as diving, jumping, or submerging your head in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, or ponds. Using nose clips or keeping your head above water during swimming or water-related activities is also advised.
Avoiding water-related activities in warm, shallow, or stagnant water during hot weather, as well as avoiding stirring up sediment in freshwater environments, are additional precautions to consider. If using tap water for nasal irrigation (e.g., neti pots), it's essential to use sterile or distilled water, or boil tap water and cool it before use.
Since the infection is rare but almost always fatal, these preventive steps are crucial when in or near warm freshwater lakes and rivers in South Carolina or similar areas.
The Carr family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover unexpected expenses following Jaysen's death. The GoFundMe describes Jaysen as an incredible son, a devoted brother, and a true friend to everyone who knew him. If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-carr-family-in-memory-of-jaysen.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Carr family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the outpouring of support from their community and beyond.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 15). Naegleria fowleri - South Carolina. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/outbreaks/2022-south-carolina.html
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. (2022, July 15). Naegleria fowleri - South Carolina. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.scdhec.gov/news/press-releases/2022/scdhec-confirms-fatal-case-of-naegleria-fowleri-in-south-carolina
- National Institutes of Health. (2022, July 15). Naegleria fowleri Infections. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/health-professionals/index.html
- The Carr family's battle for awareness extends beyond the parameters of medical-conditions, as they aim to highlight the importance of health-and-wellness practices surrounding water safety.
- Jaysen's tragic loss serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers that exist even in the most recreational of activities, such as fitness-and-exercise pursuits like basketball, hockey, golf, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts.
- The family's call to action is not confined to immediate health concerns, but also encompasses the broader environmental-science issue of climate-change and its effects on water temperatures.
- As global temperatures rise, warm freshwater environments are becoming more common, increasing the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection and potentially contributing to a rise in such tragedies.
- In addition to physical health, the Carr family's efforts touch upon mental-health, as the harsh realities of illness and loss can lead to lasting emotional scars.
- As the family grieves, their resilience and commitment to raising awareness become a testament to the power of sports-betting communities, who often rally around those in need.
- The weather on the day of Jaysen's fatal encounter remains a crucial factor in the investigation, as meteorological data could provide valuable insights into the conditions that contributed to the amoeba's presence in Lake Murray.
- In the face of adversity, the Carr family's unwavering determination to create change underscores the spirit of sports – a competitive arena that fosters camaraderie, resilience, and a relentless drive to overcome obstacles.
- May Jaysen's story serve as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change – not just in South Carolina, but in water safety practices worldwide.
