Family and friends are mourning a loss and raising funds after a devastating home explosion in Southgate. The blast on early Thursday morning claimed the life of 37-year-old Amber Benedict while her husband Paul Benedict, 38, is clinging to life, according to GoFundMe campaigns set up to assist with medical expenses and funeral costs. "Words cannot describe what a perfect couple these two were," states one GoFundMe effort. The campaign organizers say Amber "had a heart of gold" and "would go out of her way to help anyone." Paul, meanwhile, "is the most innocent, pure human you (could have) ever had the honor of hanging out with." The other GoFundMe effort says that Paul is currently in a coma after having sustained life-threatening injuries, including severe burns. Authorities in Southgate said he had been blown onto the front lawn in the blast at the couple's home, on the southeast corner of Edison and Burns streets. Amber had to be recovered from under piles of rubble. The blast leveled the home and damaged a neighboring residence to the east. A preliminary investigation indicated the explosion was gas-related but the official cause remains under investigation. As of Friday night, both GoFundMe efforts were nearing $8,000 raised, or $16,000 combined. "It’s going to be a long road ahead, and with medical expenses and funeral costs on top of losing everything, Paul and his family have a long road ahead," the organizers of one GoFundMe wrote. A GoFundMe spokesperson said "our team is working with the organizers to help ensure funds safely reach the family." mreinhart@detroitnews.com @max_detroitnews.com Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here. This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Fundraisers launched after blast levels Southgate couple's home, killing one