Runner Dies From Rare Brain Infection After Summer Run

14 year-old runner and Junior Olympic Qualifier Michael John Riley Jr. was in the middle of his summer XC training when he took a trip with his team to the Sam Houston State Park. They went through their daily workout and finished with a jump in the lake. Less than a week later, he began to experience symptoms that prompted his parents to take him to the Texas Children's Hospital.

After many tests, doctors discovered Michael had contracted a rare brain eating amoeba which causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba entered Michael's body when he jumped into the lake and water was forced into his nose. This rare occurrence is more likely to happen during and after hot summer months.

Sadly, on August 30th, Michael lost his battle with PAM.

According to WMD, there is no clear treatment for this condition, and while some drugs have been found to kill the disease causing amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) in test tubes, few patients survive. 60% of the cases are in children 13 or younger, and 80% of those, male.

There has been an incredible outpouring of support from the Houston community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Riley family.

Please take the time to show your support through the Miracle 4 Michael Facebook Page, Twitter, and help them with medical/funeral costs on the GoFundMe page.

The Celebration of Life Service for Michael John Riley Jr. will be held tomorrow (9/4/2015).

Sugar Creek Baptist Church
13223 Southwest Fwy.
Sugar Land, TX 77478