Contributions by island residents have helped a crowdfunding campaign set up in memory of tragic American teenager Mark Dombroski to beat its $10,000 target.

Christine DeBraga said she wanted to be part of the fundraising drive to create a foundation in Mr Dombroski’s memory “as a way of showing my support”.

Mr Dombroski, a 19-year-old student from Pennsylvania, was found dead on Monday afternoon in the dry moat at Fort Prospect, Devonshire after he went missing in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ms DeBraga, 42, from Devonshire, said she had a 19-year-old son of her own who is also a student.

She added: “My heart hurts for his family as I can’t help but put myself in their shoes. I don’t think I have cried this much over someone I have never met.”

Another Devonshire resident said she donated to the fundraising campaign to show Mr Dombroski’s family and friends that “Bermuda was totally behind them”.

The 54-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, added she did not know Mark or his family.

She said: “I just felt very bad for the family and friends who would have been the last to see him.”

The woman added she also wanted to combat “negative comments on social media about Bermuda on Monday” after Mr Dombroski’s death was announced.

Ms DeBraga said Bermudians had come together to show support for Mr Dombroski’s family and friends “in many ways”.

She added: “You can feel the sadness and love all around us.

“We all come together at times like this. It’s just what we do.”

Pete D’Amico, an assistant coach for Mr Dombroski’s university rugby team, created the crowdfunding page on March 19.

Mr D’Amico said that he wanted to help the Dombroski family through this “awful time”.

He added: “They’ve decided to use the money to start a memorial fund for their son.”

The campaign passed its $10,000 goal yesterday afternoon.