Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to help Ashley Taunton, a Connecticut mother seriously injured while pushing a teenager out of the path of a vehicle on I-95.
Taunton, 42, a certified nursing assistant and mother of three, was driving south on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island in July with her youngest daughter when she encountered a group of teenagers involved in a roadside incident.
Rather than continuing past the scene, Taunton stopped and approached the stranded vehicle. As she spoke with the teenagers, another vehicle lost control on the wet roadway and hydroplaned toward them.
Taunton reacted immediately, pushing one of the teenagers away from the approaching vehicle. She was struck herself and suffered life threatening injuries, including severe damage to her leg and internal injuries.
Her daughter stayed beside her while emergency assistance arrived. Taunton later told PEOPLE that she feared she might not survive the incident.
Taunton has undergone two major surgeries and faces additional treatment during what her family expects to be a lengthy recovery. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help cover medical costs, household bills, groceries and other expenses.
Swift donated $50,000 to the campaign and left a message wishing Taunton the best possible recovery while sending love to her family. The contribution was confirmed by PEOPLE and Rolling Stone.
As of Aug. 28, the GoFundMe had collected more than $64,000, while a separate Meal Train fundraiser had surpassed $16,000. The donation adds to Swift’s documented charitable giving.
Before her July wedding to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, the couple donated a combined $26 million across 20 US charities, including organizations connected to cities important to their lives.
Swift has also previously been associated with quieter donations to individuals facing emergencies. Actress Ruby Rose said Swift once browsed GoFundMe campaigns and contributed to people seeking financial help.
Taunton later discovered that one of the teenagers she helped was the son of a longtime friend. The connection came to light after the friend encountered Taunton’s family at the hospital.
The experience changed Taunton’s perspective on everyday priorities. She told PEOPLE that she no longer wants to postpone time with friends and loved ones, emphasizing that circumstances can change unexpectedly.
Swift’s message on the fundraising page read: “Wishing you the best recovery possible and sending love to your family! Taylor.”
Taunton’s husband, Joe, described her decision to stop and help as simply “Ashley doing Ashley things,” according to Rolling Stone’s account of the fundraiser.
Taunton’s family continues seeking financial support while she undergoes recovery and further medical treatment. The fundraising efforts are intended to reduce the financial pressure on the household while the family focuses on her rehabilitation.
Who is Ashley Taunton?
Ashley Taunton is a 42 year old certified nursing assistant and mother of three from Connecticut.
Why did Taylor Swift donate $50,000?
Swift donated to Taunton’s GoFundMe after learning about her injuries sustained while helping people involved in a highway incident.
How much had the fundraiser raised?
The GoFundMe had raised more than $64,000 as of Aug. 28, according to the supplied reports.
Sources
PEOPLE, Rolling Stone; Page Six; WPRI; GoFundMe; InspireMore
