GoFundMe Campaign Established for Central Park Explosion Victim's Medical Costs

Central Park, NY — A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover the medical expenses of the man who stepped on an amateur explosive device in Central Park on July 3.

Connor Golden, 19, a University of Miami student from Fairfax, Viriginia, had his leg amputated below the knee when he stepped on what has been described as a rudimentary explosive device, police said. Parents of Oakton High School — Golden's alma mater — established a GoFundMe campaign called the "The Connor Golden Fund," in order to "help the Golden family as they face extraordinary medical expenses in seeing Connor through his recovery."

As of Monday afternoon the fund has raised more than $30,000 from more than 450 donations.

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Golden's parents released a statement through Bellevue Hospital thanking the medical staff that helped their son recover and thanking those that have been sending the family support.

"We are humbled and profoundly touched by the enormous outpouring of love, prayers and support from family and friends, fellow Hurricanes from the University of Miami, the residents and public officials of New York City and the public at large," said the statement sent to Patch.

In the statement it was also revealed that Golden turned 19 years old on July 9 while recovering in the hospital. Golden will soon be released from Bellevue Hospital to receive treatment and recovery in Northern Virginia, his parents said in the statement.

Officials said that the explosion in Central Park that sent Golden to the hospital was likely caused by an "explosive experiment" that is not related to any sort of terrorist activities. Officials initially responded around 10:53 a.m. at Fifth Avenue and East 68th Street on July 3 for a major injury with a "possible amputation," the FDNY said.

In a press conference, Lt. Mark Torre, commanding officer of the New York Police Department's bomb squad, said the device was likely not created to harm people but was a rudimentary explosive created by someone who had a basic understanding of chemistry.

Forensic evidence from the blast has been sent to a police lab. It is still not known who made the explosive or why it was left in the park.

[Photo: Courtesy of the Golden family.]