Identity of 12-Year-Old Boy Who Died of Brain-Eating Amoeba in S.C. Revealed as His Family Mourns His Death

A 12-year-old boy from South Carolina who died after contracting a rare brain infection caused by a waterborne amoeba has been identified as Jaysen Carr.

Carr’s family confirmed that he passed away on July 18, just days after being exposed to Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, while swimming in Lake Murray near Columbia. He was diagnosed with the infection, known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), on July 7.

“Jaysen’s family is devastated by this unimaginable loss,” said Tyler Bailey, the family’s attorney, in a statement to local station WIS News 10. “They are thankful for the overwhelming support from the community and are committed to raising awareness so no other family has to endure this tragedy.”

Bailey also thanked the staff at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands for their care and compassion during Jaysen’s treatment. He described Jaysen as a bright and beloved student at Hand Middle School, and said the family is now seeking answers about how the exposure happened and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, while officials believe the exposure likely occurred at Lake Murray, they cannot say so with certainty, since Naegleria fowleri occurs naturally in many warm freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and even underchlorinated pools.

Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina’s State Epidemiologist, emphasized that infections from the amoeba are extremely rare — with only around 10 cases reported annually in the United States. “Recreational water activities are still considered safe,” she said. “But we encourage everyone to take simple precautions, such as using nose clips or avoiding diving and jumping into warm freshwater.”

The CDC notes that only four of the 167 people infected in the U.S. from 1962 through 2024 have survived. The amoeba causes rapid brain inflammation after entering through the nose, often resulting in death within days.

Symptoms of infection usually begin between one to nine days after exposure and progress quickly. Early symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, followed by stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and coma.

A GoFundMe campaign created to support the Carr family had raised nearly $36,000 as of Friday morning. The page describes Jaysen as courageous and loved, and urges the public to contribute toward helping the family navigate funeral expenses and other unforeseen costs.

“This has been a devastating loss,” the fundraiser reads. “Let’s come together to support the Carrs during this incredibly difficult time.”

State health officials reiterated that there is no greater risk at Lake Murray than at any other body of warm freshwater and released the following guidance: Naegleria fowleri thrives in water temperatures above 77°F, especially in the summer months. To reduce the risk, swimmers are urged to keep water out of their noses by holding their nose shut, using nose clips, or staying above water while swimming in lakes and rivers.