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Columbia, SC – The parents of 12-year-old Jaysen Carr, who tragically died from a rare brain infection caused by an amoeba, spoke at a news conference Tuesday. Clarence and Ebony Carr aim to raise awareness about the dangers of Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” This microscopic organism can cause a devastating infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when water is forced up the nose, often during freshwater activities.
“This is incredibly tough,” said Clarence Carr, fighting back tears. “We don’t want any other family to experience this.”
Ebony Carr, wearing her son’s all-state champion headband, added, “If we’d known the risks, Jaysen would never have been in that lake. We want everyone to understand the dangers, especially in places like Lake Murray.”
She stressed the need for greater public awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
The Carrs described Jaysen, their middle child, as a loving brother, role model, and talented athlete. His mother recalled his infectious smile and compassionate nature. “He was a gift to us,” she shared.
Jaysen’s death, the first reported case in South Carolina since 2016, has prompted a response from Dominion Energy, which manages Lake Murray. The company issued a statement expressing condolences and urging the public to heed safety guidelines from health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends holding your nose or using a nose clip when entering freshwater and keeping your head above water in hot springs. Symptoms of PAM include severe headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, and seizures.