A South Carolina family released the identity of a young boy who died as a result of an infection. Tween Jaysen Carr allegedly contracted a deadly brain-eating amoeba while swimming in a popular lake. Little detail has emerged about exactly how the boy contracted the illness. but despite his death, public health officials claim there is no larger threat. They do, however, caution people to be mindful about swimming in warm water where the amoeba may exist. The boy’s family is mourning the loss and also leading an investigation into his death.
On July 21, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Public Health shared that a deadly case involving a brain-eating amoeba was confirmed on July 7. Although 12-year-old Jaysen Carr wasn’t initially identified, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital confirmed the boy was treated for a Naegleria fowleri infection. It is believed the tween came in contact with the amoeba while swimming at Lake Murray.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled living organism. It can cause a rare and almost fatal brain infection, hence why it is frequently referred to as a “brain-eating” amoeba. The amoeba is often found in warm fresh water such as lakes, hot springs and rivers. It can also be found in poorly maintained swimming pools.
“This is not a threat to the general public,” Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina state epidemiologist, told WIS 10. “We do recommend that people observe certain safe swimming behaviors. There are certain things that can increase the risk, but as we know, people participate in swimming, water skiing, diving, all sorts of things. And the fact that this is so rare in the United States tells us that these warm bodies of water do not pose a significant threat for this particular organism.”
On July 24, Tyler Bailey, an attorney representing the Carr family, released a statement that revealed the identity of the tween.
“Jaysen’s family is grieving this unthinkable loss, but they are also grateful at the outpouring of love and support they have received from the community,” the statement began.
“The family has many questions about how and why Jaysen died and wants to do everything in their power to ensure this doesn’t happen to another family,” it continued. “Jaysen’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands for their dedicated care and compassion for him and their entire family. We ask for privacy at this time as the family prepares to lay their son to rest.”
In an additional statement, Bailey wrote “Jaysen was a bright and beloved student at Hand Middle School. His loss is unimaginable, and our hearts are with his family as they grieve their son and search for answers.” A GoFundMe account was started for the family to help with costs.
