CONNECTICUT — What began as an ordinary drive with her youngest daughter turned into a life-changing emergency for Ashley Taunton, a 42-year-old Connecticut mother who stopped on Interstate 95 to help a group of teenagers.
Now, more than a month after the crash, Taunton is receiving an extraordinary show of support from one of the world’s biggest music stars.
Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to a GoFundMe created to help Taunton and her family cover medical expenses following the devastating July 18 accident.
Taunton, whose act of bravery was previously highlighted, says she remains overwhelmed by the generosity.
“I am in awe of how God works and how so many can be the hands and feet of Christ to bring triumph from tragedy,” Taunton said.
“It has been an overwhelming blessing and we are so grateful.”
Taunton Stopped to Help Stranded Teenagers
Taunton was driving on I-95 in Rhode Island with her youngest daughter on July 18 when she noticed that something had happened on the highway. She later explained that she has a natural instinct to help when she sees someone in trouble.
“When I see there’s somebody in trouble, I tend to want to go help,” she recalled.
About 30 yards from the initial crash scene, Taunton stopped her vehicle and got out. She told her daughter to stay back and contact Taunton’s husband while she went toward the stranded vehicle.
Inside were a driver and two other passengers, all of whom were teenagers. Taunton began checking on the group when another vehicle suddenly came toward them.
Mom Pushes Teen Out of Danger
The second vehicle had also lost control on the interstate. According to an official crash report, wet and slippery road conditions caused the driver traveling southbound to hydroplane. Taunton had almost no time to react.
Seeing the vehicle heading toward the teenagers, she pushed the teen closest to her out of the way before the oncoming car struck her.
“It just felt like a big explosion,” Taunton recalled.
She remembered being thrown to the ground and realizing she was severely injured.
“I just remember being on the ground and I could see my ankle was just hanging there. I went to try to get up and I couldn’t breathe.”
Her decision to protect the teenager came at an enormous personal cost.
Injuries Leave Taunton Facing Long Recovery
Taunton was taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where doctors treated her for multiple serious injuries. Her injuries included bilateral internal carotid artery dissection, liver and spleen lacerations, multiple rib fractures and a ruptured diaphragm.
The extensive recovery has created significant financial and practical challenges for Taunton and her family.
Her friend Laura Ortelt established a GoFundMe to help cover expenses while Taunton continues treatment and rehabilitation.
The fundraiser had collected more than $90,000 by Monday, Aug. 31, with donations increasing after Swift’s contribution. A separate Meal Train established for the family had also raised more than $16,000.
Taylor Swift’s $50,000 Donation Leaves Family Stunned
Taunton was on her way to a physical therapy appointment when her friends tried to reach her. When she could not answer, they contacted her husband, Joe, who was with her. Taunton remembers seeing his expression change.
“He said, ‘No way. Supposedly Taylor Swift just donated $50,000 to the GoFundMe,’” she said.
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Taunton said she immediately became emotional but initially struggled to believe it.
“Then my stomach flipped and I got tears in my eyes but [I] also was in disbelief,” she recalled.
Her physical therapist was reportedly shocked as well, while her husband stepped outside to gather himself. The family later received confirmation from GoFundMe that the $50,000 donation was genuinely from Swift.
Donation Will Help Family Focus on Recovery
For Taunton, the contribution means much more than simply reducing a medical bill.
She said the money will help ease the burden on her husband, who has become her primary caretaker while she continues recovering.
“It is also so surreal to have someone of her status do something so kind and generous to a regular person,” Taunton said.
The connection feels particularly remarkable because Taunton and her family work at a hotel on Misquamicut Beach in Rhode Island, where they can see Swift’s home from their workplace.
“We can see [Swift’s] house from our work, and her music is always streaming on our device. So this was mind-blowing!”
Taunton says the donations will help her family manage medical bills, their children and their animals while allowing her to concentrate on healing.
“I still don’t even know how to articulate how thankful we are and I wish I could hug Taylor and everyone who has blessed us,” she said.
What do you think about Taylor Swift’s generous gesture toward a mother who risked her life to protect a teenager? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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