NJ surfer dies from 'brain eating amoeba' after visiting Texas water park

WACO, Texas (AP) - A New Jersey man has died after contracting what is commonly referred to as a "brain-eating amoeba" at a Texas water park.

The Waco Tribune-Herald reports Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is testing at BSR Cable Park's Surf Resort, which voluntarily closed on Friday. The agency is testing for Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as a "brain-eating amoeba."

It's unclear if the park remained closed Sunday morning. BSR Cable Park owner Stuart E. Parsons Jr. says it will also continue to comply with requests related to the investigation of Fabrizio Stabile's death. The 29-year-old man died in New Jersey earlier this month after falling ill with Naegleria fowleri. Parsons said Stabile had been in the wave pool.

The CDC says Naegleria fowleri is often found in warm freshwater.

In the wake of Stabile's death, his family has created The Fabrizio Stabile Foundation for Naegleria Fowleri Awareness to educate others about the rare and preventable infection. The family aims to hold an annual fundraiser in Stabile's memory, with the hope that the same tragedy won't affect another.

Those interested in donating to The Fabrizio Stabile Foundation can do so here.