Tasmanians are digging deep to support local man James Thorp, who remains in serious condition in a US hospital after a car crash on July 16.
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Mr Thorp sustained serious injuries when a tyre on the van his 22-year-old wife, Taylor Nieri, was driving in her home state of Oregon exploded, causing the vehicle to roll.
Ms Nieri was killed, and Mr Thorp sustained serious injuries.
The pair met kayaking in the Whitsundays and were married just four months ago.
A GoFundMe page was launched by Mr Thorp’s friend Jen Brown.
“I’m from Hobart, Tasmania, and I am part of the Tasmanian kayak community of which James is a valuable member,” the fundraising page said.
“Our community recognises James as a friend, beautiful person and strong contributor to this amazing community.”
In three days the fundraising goal of $20,000 was smashed, with 270 people raising $27,335 by 10am on Wednesday, July 26.
According to the fundraising page, Mr Thorp will return to Australia to complete his rehabilitation in a specialised facility.
“He won't be able to weightbear for 12 weeks or more. It is unknown when he will be able to work again,” the fundraising page said.
“He will require extensive ongoing physio, hydro and occupational therapy for greater than 12 months that will only be partially funded by medicare.”
Ms Nieria had spent six months at a Victorian university in 2016.
Teachers and students at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus were offered counselling after news of the 22-year-old’s death.
Bendigo campus head Rob Stephenson said staff and classmates remembered Ms Nieri as a “vibrant” young woman.
“She really threw herself into the program,” he said, explaining she would have forged close bonds with outdoor education students who sometimes spent days or weeks together on camping trips.
“Any students who were connected with her, we encourage them to contact our counselling staff.”
Friends of Ms Nieri will hold a memorial service in Bendigo on August 7 to coincide with her funeral.
A cover the costs of Ms Nieri's funeral has been set up.
“That day, we lost one of the most precious women that many of us have ever known,” campaign creator Emily Lenzo said.