Hopkinton, R.I. – A local mother who risked her life to rescue teenagers from a highway crash received a generous gift from pop superstar Taylor Swift. On July 18, Ashley Taunton was driving on I‑95 during a heavy rainstorm when she saw a car hydroplane off the road. She pulled over, ran to the wreckage and helped the teens escape.
While she was assisting them, another vehicle lost control and barreled toward the scene. In a split‑second act of pure bravery, Ashley pushed a passenger out of the path of the oncoming car, taking the full impact herself. The collision caused severe leg injuries, damage to her small and large intestines, liver lacerations, a ruptured diaphragm and a collapsed lung. She has undergone at least three surgeries and spent time in an induced coma.
Her husband, Joe Taunton, told NBC affiliate WJAR that the injuries were life‑threatening. Ashley has been documenting her recovery on social media, sharing photos from her hospital bed, the nasogastric tube placed for a small‑bowel obstruction, and later, a leg brace as she returned home.
Swift’s $50,000 contribution
On Friday, Ashley posted an Instagram update expressing amazement at the donation. “This is absolutely mind‑blowing and so very humbling,” she wrote, adding a heartfelt thank‑you to Swift and praising God for the outpouring of support. The post read, “@taylorswift you are a beautiful soul… Thank you Jesus for so many amazing humans.”
According to NBC News, Swift’s contribution of $50,000 will go toward Ashley’s medical bills, rehabilitation costs and any future expenses related to her recovery. The donation was made through an online fundraiser set up by friends and family to cover the mounting expenses.
Community response
The story quickly resonated with the Hopkinton community and beyond. Local churches, civic groups and neighbors rallied around the Taunton family, offering meals, transportation and prayer support. Many highlighted the importance of gratitude, faith and the willingness to help strangers in need.
“We are grateful to God for sending such a caring heart like Ashley’s, and for the kindness of people like Taylor Swift who answer prayers in unexpected ways,” said Pastor Michael Greene of First Baptist Church in nearby Providence. He added that the incident underscores the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Looking ahead
As Ashley continues her rehabilitation, her family remains hopeful. She is working with physical therapists to regain strength and mobility, and her children are adjusting to life with a mother who is healing at home.
Joe Taunton expressed confidence that the generosity shown by Swift and the broader community will help his wife return to full health. “We’re humbled by the love and prayers,” he said. “God’s grace is evident in every hand that reaches out to help.”
This story serves as a reminder that ordinary citizens can become heroes in moments of crisis, and that compassion—whether from a neighbor or a global music icon—can make a profound difference in a family’s life.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
