Another Amoeba Death Blamed on a Waterpark

This marks the second fatality in a little over a year.

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Another man has died after allegedly contracting the brain-eating amoeba at a waterpark.

Eddie Gray, 59, was on a trip with his church at Fantasy Lake Water Park in Hope Mills, N.C. when he contracted Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating amoeba. He died 10 days later.

A manmade lake serves as the anchor for the facility, with water slides built on it and activities taking place in it.

This is at least the second incident in a year. The issue gained national attention in 2018, when a 29-year-old man died from the amoeba after visiting a Texas surf park.

Government officials have turned their attention to the issue of water quality in larger bodies of water such as manmade lakes and surf parks. Florida and Texas are both considering codes to regulate these installations.

About the Author

Rebecca Robledo

Rebecca Robledo is deputy editor of Pool & Spa News and Aquatics International. She is an award-winning trade journalist with more than 25 years experience reporting on and editing content for the pool, spa and aquatics industries. She specializes in technical, complex or detail-oriented subject matter with an emphasis in design and construction, as well as legal and regulatory issues. For this coverage and editing, she has received numerous awards, including four Jesse H. Neal Awards, considered by many to be the “Pulitzer Prize of Trade Journalism.”