Lake Murray, South Carolina, August 2, 2025
News Summary
The Carr family is mourning the loss of their 12-year-old son, Jaysen, who died from a brain-eating amoeba after swimming at Lake Murray. Following this tragedy, they are advocating for greater public awareness and safety measures at freshwater locations. The incident highlights the need for proper warnings and tracking of Naegleria fowleri infections to prevent future occurrences. Both health officials and the family call for better regulations to ensure safety for swimmers in South Carolina.
Columbia, South Carolina – A 12-year-old boy tragically died from a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri on July 18, 2025. This serious health incident has sparked a call for increased safety measures at Lake Murray, the location where the child is believed to have contracted the infection.
Jaysen Carr spent the Fourth of July weekend swimming, fishing, boating, and tubing at Lake Murray. His parents, Clarence and Ebony Carr, were unaware of the potential dangers associated with Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba typically found in warm freshwater environments. Following the holiday weekend, Jaysen experienced severe symptoms including a headache, which quickly escalated and resulted in his hospitalization.
Medical assessments at Prisma Health confirmed that Jaysen was suffering from an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. The CDC has documented a total of 163 deaths attributed to this amoeba in the United States from 1962 to 2024. Infections from Naegleria fowleri are rare, affecting fewer than 10 individuals annually in the U.S., leading some health officials to argue that the risk remains low. However, the Carr family believes that without proper warnings, the lake poses unnecessary risks to swimmers.
Demands for Better Safety Measures
Following the tragic loss of their son, the Carr family has advocated for increased safety measures and public awareness regarding the disease. They are urging authorities to place warning signs at Lake Murray and other freshwater locations to better inform families about the risks of Naegleria fowleri. Clarence Carr has stressed the importance of preventive measures, suggesting that such a tragedy should not happen to another child.
The Carr family has also expressed dissatisfaction with the current reporting practices concerning Naegleria fowleri infections in South Carolina. Current health regulations do not mandate the reporting of these infections, nor does the state’s Department of Environmental Services routinely test for the amoeba in local water bodies, citing a lack of established standards.
Symptoms and Infection Pathway
Naegleria fowleri typically enters the body through the nose during activities such as swimming in contaminated waters, leading to a serious brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck, which can progress rapidly to severe complications.
Investigation and Awareness Campaigns
An independent investigation into Jaysen Carr’s death is being led by attorney Tyler Bailey. His efforts are focused on improving tracking and reporting of Naegleria fowleri cases by health agencies, amidst concerns about the potential for further infections. A GoFundMe campaign set up for the Carr family has raised over $50,000 to support their efforts in raising awareness and ensuring better safety precautions at recreational water sites.
The last reported death from Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina occurred in 2016, but the recent incident has reignited conversations about public safety at freshwater locations. Health experts recommend avoiding warm freshwater swimming during periods of high temperatures and low water levels to mitigate risks related to the amoeba.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking loss of Jaysen Carr underscores the need for proactive measures to protect young swimmers. As discussions around safety protocols and health regulations continue in the wake of this tragedy, the Carr family hopes to prevent future incidents by advocating for heightened awareness and protective measures in South Carolina’s lakes and rivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a brain-eating amoeba that can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when it enters the body through the nose primarily during warm freshwater swimming.
How can Naegleria fowleri infections be prevented?
To prevent infections, it is recommended to avoid swimming in warm freshwater bodies during high temperatures and low water levels.
What are the symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection?
Symptoms typically include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck, progressing rapidly to serious complications.
Is Naegleria fowleri common?
While Naegleria fowleri is found in warm freshwater, infections are exceedingly rare, affecting fewer than 10 people annually in the U.S.
What actions are being taken for safety at Lake Murray?
The Carr family is advocating for warning signs and better tracking of Naegleria fowleri cases to enhance public safety at Lake Murray and other water bodies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragedy in Columbia as 12-Year-Old Dies from Brain-Eating Amoeba
Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Brings Attention to Naegleria fowleri Risks
Family Advocates for Lake Safety After Tragic Loss
Tragic Loss Following Holiday Swim in South Carolina
South Carolina Family Mourns Loss of Son from Brain-Eating Amoeba
Additional Resources
- People: Boy Who Died of Brain-Eating Amoeba
- Wikipedia: Naegleria fowleri
- The State: Local News on Naegleria fowleri
- Google Search: Naegleria fowleri
- AP News: Brain-Eating Amoeba Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Naegleria
- Fox News: Death from Brain-Eating Amoeba
- Google News: Brain-Eating Amoeba South Carolina
- WIS TV: Family Identifies Boy Who Died from Amoeba
- CBS News: Patient Dies from Brain-Eating Amoeba
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
