Lillian Smart, a fun-loving 8-year-old, was hospitalized on August 15, 2026, after contracting Naegleria fowleri, a rare brain amoeba infection believed to have been contracted while swimming in Lake Claiborne.Chfr
“Last night Lillian ran from our arms to the arms of Jesus,” her parents shared on Facebook. They said, “The injuries to her brain were too severe for her little body to recover from.”chfr
Smart began receiving medical treatment after developing a high fever and complained of “double vision”, her parents said in an update.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the parasite is often found in bodies of freshwater. Health officials warn that it can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that may result when water containing the amoeba rushes up the nose and reaches the brain. The infection is extremely rare, but nearly always fatal.
Photo courtesy of Love for Lillian Facebook Page
The Ruston community and people across Northeast Louisiana came together to support the Smart family during a difficult time. To celebrate the child’s 8th birthday, friends, neighbors, and local businesses organized the Love for Lillian Fundraiser to help offset the family’s medical expenses. The fundraiser quickly gained traction on social media and throughout the community. Many local businesses donated proceeds, while several shops and restaurants participated by giving a portion of their sales from the day to the Smart family.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry expressed his sympathy for the family in a statement on social media, writing, “[We are] heartbroken over the news of Lillian’s passing. Please join Sharon and me in prayer for the Smart family.”
Following the announcement of Smart’s death, her family stated, “We are heartbroken and honestly do not know what to do next.” Going on to stake a claim in their faith, saying, “Our foundation is still in Jesus. We didn’t get to keep our girl, but we watched miracles happen on her behalf. We believe God is good.”
