Pop superstar Taylor Swift has made a $50,000 donation to aid Ashley Taunton, a Connecticut nursing assistant who suffered severe injuries after stopping to help teenagers involved in a car crash. The donation, made via GoFundMe, came with a message wishing Taunton a full recovery.
Taunton, 42, was driving on I-95 South in Rhode Island on July 18 when she observed a vehicle that had hydroplaned in heavy rain, carrying three teenagers. She pulled over, leaving her own daughter safely in their car, to assist the individuals who were "a little bit banged up."
As Taunton attempted to move the group away from traffic, another vehicle lost control and struck her. She managed to push one of the teenagers out of the path of the oncoming car before being hit herself.
Taunton sustained critical injuries, including fractured ribs, a ruptured diaphragm, internal bleeding, and damage to her liver and spleen. She was transported to Rhode Island Hospital and faces a potentially year-long recovery process involving extensive physical therapy.
In a poignant turn, Taunton later learned that one of the teenagers she saved was the son of her longtime friend, Jamie O’Rourke. O’Rourke expressed deep gratitude, noting Taunton's courage in putting herself in danger to save her son.
A GoFundMe was established to help Taunton, her husband, Joe, and their three children with expenses during her recovery. Swift's contribution is the largest single donation to the fundraiser.
Swift is known for her philanthropic efforts, frequently contributing significant amounts to various charitable causes, including disaster relief and fans facing financial difficulties. The incident has reportedly given Taunton a renewed appreciation for life and time with loved ones as she navigates her recovery.