Teenager hurt in Central Park blast is recovering

NEW YORK — A Virginia teenager who stepped on an explosive device in Central Park and lost part of his leg is healing and hopes to return to college, his father said Monday.

Kevin Golden spoke about his son, Connor Golden, at a Manhattan hospital where he’s being treated.

The 19-year-old University of Miami student from Fairfax, Va., was at the park July 3 when he stepped on a rock covering the explosive.

The father said he got a call from the emergency room doctor at Bellevue Hospital telling him Connor Golden understood he would have to have his left leg amputated at the shin. He said Connor Golden told the doctor, “That’s OK, just don’t take my hands.”

His father said Connor Golden was happy that his hands were intact because he’s a musician.

Kevin Golden said his son underwent three operations and is “struggling with discomfort.”

Investigators don’t believe the explosive device was meant to hurt anyone.

There is a $12,500 reward being offered by police groups for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible.