Why Lake Murray's Family Demands an Investigation

Family Seeks Answers After Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old from Rare Infection

Clarence and Ebony Carr are searching for answers following the death of their 12-year-old son, Jaysen. The young student at Columbia’s Hand Middle School passed away on July 18 due to a rare infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which health officials believe originated from Lake Murray. To uncover the truth behind his death, the family has enlisted attorney Tyler Bailey to lead an independent investigation.

The Carr family and Bailey made their findings public on July 24. On Tuesday, they appeared outside the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services building on Bull Street to speak with the media. During the event, Bailey, who also serves as a member of Columbia City Council, emphasized the need for changes in how state agencies monitor and report the presence of the amoeba in waterways, as well as how they respond to infections.

“This is a very tough situation. We're doing the best we can,” Clarence said during the press conference. “We do not want this to happen to anyone else.”

Understanding Naegleria Fowleri

Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, is not classified as a reportable disease in South Carolina. This means that cases within the state are not required to be reported to health officials. According to a statement from the state public health department, there is no tracking of infections caused by this amoeba. Bailey has called for legislation to add Naegleria fowleri to the list of reportable diseases.

Bailey pointed out that no state agencies reached out to the Carr family for information about Jaysen’s activities on the day of his death or followed up with tests. He criticized the lack of action, stating, “There was never any testing of the water. There's no questioning of where Jaysen was swimming and playing in the water.”

He explained that the purpose of the independent investigation is to perform the work that should have been done by public agencies. While the family continues to determine where Jaysen was in the lake, Bailey stressed that this responsibility should have fallen on the state.

Calls for Public Awareness and Safety Measures

During periods of high temperature and low water levels—conditions that increase the risk of amoeba infection—Bailey suggested that Dominion Energy or state agencies should issue advisories similar to heat warnings. These advisories could inform the public about the increased risk and methods to reduce it, such as ensuring children cover their noses when swimming.

Bailey drew a comparison between the current approach to Naegleria fowleri and how the state Department of Environmental Services tests beaches. The department currently tests over 120 beaches for harmful bacteria and issues advisories if levels are high.

Health officials confirmed that a case of Naegleria fowleri was identified the week of July 7. After confirming the infection on July 22, the department clarified that the case came from the Midlands, and later that evening, it announced that the infection likely originated from Lake Murray. Prisma Health confirmed that a patient in its Midlands children's hospital died from the amoeba.

Rare but Preventable

Despite the rarity of Naegleria fowleri infections, Bailey emphasized the importance of taking preventive measures. He noted that the case was the first reported in South Carolina since 2016 and that only 167 cases have been documented nationally over the past 62 years.

Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch from Prisma Health Children's Hospital explained that while the amoeba is common in fresh waterways across the state, infections are rare. They require the amoeba to enter the nose at the right time and with enough water pressure. Burch recommended avoiding fresh water activities during high temperatures and low water levels, as these conditions can concentrate the amoebas in the water.

“We shouldn't be afraid to be in lakes and rivers and those kinds of things,” Burch said. “It's a big part of what South Carolinians do. I just think you need to be safe when you go into those bodies of water.”

Remembering Jaysen Carr

Jaysen was described as an honor student who played the flute in the school band and enjoyed various sports. His parents learned after his death that he participated in a school program designed to support students with special needs.

A GoFundMe campaign for the Carr family had raised over $50,000 as of July 29. Additionally, Clarence will throw a ceremonial first pitch at Segra Park on Wednesday, where the Columbia Fireflies are hosting a "Team Jaysen Night" fundraiser.