More: What is the 'brain-eating' amoeba that killed an N.J. surfer? Should you be worried?

A 29-year-old surfer from Atlantic County has died of what's been described as a "brain-eating amoeba" after a visit to the wave pool of a Central Texas resort.

Fabrizio Stabile, of Ventnor, had been in the pool at BSR Cable Park in Waco prior to his death at Atlantic City Medical Center on Sept. 21, The Associated Press reported.

Stabile tested positive for Naegleria fowleri -- an amoeba that typically occurs in warm fresh water -- the day before his death, according to a GoFundMe page started by loved ones to create a foundation in his memory.

Please donate and share. Going to say goodbye to a dear friend today. This has been the toughest week. One of the things... Posted by Toro Hongoshinban on Wednesday, September 26, 2018

When Stabile returned to New Jersey, the fundraiser's organizer wrote, he reported a sudden severe headache while mowing the lawn.

It only got worse the next day, and when his mother went to check on him, he could not move or speak coherently, and he was rushed to an area hospital, where he was treated for symptoms of meningitis, according to the GoFundMe page.

Stabile "had been tested for a multitude of illnesses caused by various bacteria and viruses, but the results were coming back negative or inconclusive," the GoFundMe page said.

He finally tested positive for Naegleria fowleri on Thursday, Sept. 20, the day before he died.

A heart of gold stopped beating, two shining eyes at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.... Posted by Chelsea Lee on Thursday, September 27, 2018

Stabile's family and friends are hoping to raise awareness of the rare amoeba, which destroys brain tissue and has a fatality rate of more than 97 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"By the time Fabrizio was diagnosed, it was too late to administer the drug that had previously been provided to three of the only five known survivors in North America," page organizer Stephanie Papastephanou wrote. "Even so, this drug is not easily accessible."

BSR Cable Park closed temporarily Friday while the CDC was conducting tests for the amoeba, the AP reported, and the water park's owner has said he will comply with further requests.

Stabile's obituary says he was an "avid outdoorsman" who loved snowboarding and surfing, and his passion for nature led him to work for the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, as well as Bass Pro Shops, an outdoor equipment shop in Atlantic City.

"With great sadness and heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of a FAB-ulous associate," the shop said on Facebook. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stabile family.

Stabile's family has asked for donations to Swim Above Water Amoeba Awareness Foundation in his name in lieu of flowers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Gianluca D'Elia may be reached at gdelia@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @gianluca_delia. Find NJ.com on Facebook.