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Parents demand lake safety reforms after child's death

Following the death of their son from a brain-eating amoeba, parents call for more warnings at South Carolina lakes.

July 29, 2025 at 08:02 PM
blur Parents want more warnings after brain-eating amoeba in a lake killed their boy

The tragic case of 12-year-old Jaysen Carr highlights dangers in recreational waters.

Parents call for more lake safety warnings after son's death from amoeba

Tragedy struck after 12-year-old Jaysen Carr died from a brain-eating amoeba following a holiday at Lake Murray, South Carolina. After swimming on July 4, he developed severe headaches and nausea, which eventually led to his diagnosis of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. His parents were shocked to discover there are no laws in the state requiring the reporting of amoeba-related deaths or infections, raising concerns about safety in public water bodies. This incident has brought to light the potential dangers that can lurk in warm waters and has prompted the Carr family to advocate for greater awareness and warning systems to prevent similar tragedies.

Key Takeaways

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Jaysen Carr died from a rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Lake Murray.
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His parents were unaware of the possibility of amoeba exposure in recreational waters.
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South Carolina has no law requiring public reporting of amoeba infections or deaths.
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Only four of 167 reported U.S. cases since 1962 have survived the infection.
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The amoeba is more likely to thrive in warm waters, especially during summer months.
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Infections are extremely rare but have a high fatality rate, over 95% for those infected.

"I can't believe we don't have our son. That does not sit well."

Clarence Carr expresses the devastating impact of losing his son and his urgency for change.

"There are families out there unaware of the danger in the water."

Clarence Carr reflects on the risks faced by other families enjoying the lake.

"The result of him being a child was losing his life."

Clarence Carr speaks to the heartbreaking loss resulting from a preventable tragedy.

This heartbreaking event underscores a critical gap in public safety regarding recreational water use. The lack of reporting laws about brain-eating amoebas leaves families vulnerable. While such infections are rare, their fatality rate is staggering. By advocating for better safety measures, parents like the Carrs are challenging authorities to prioritize awareness and protection in popular swimming areas. With summer just around the corner, the time is ripe for action before another family faces the same devastation.

Highlights

  • Parents are urging change to prevent more tragedies like ours.
  • This could happen to any family that doesn’t know the risks.
  • We were left in the dark about dangers in the water.
  • Awareness can mean the difference between life and death.

Lack of regulations raises public safety concerns

The absence of laws requiring reporting of amoeba-related incidents raises alarms about public health and safety in recreational waters. This situation presents a significant risk to families unaware of the dangers.

Increased awareness and preventive measures could save lives this summer.

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