NEWSTaylor Swift Donates $50K to Heroic Mom Struck by Car While Saving Teen
Taylor Swift donated $50K to help heroic mom who got struck by car while saving teens.
Aug. 31 2026, Published 8:53 a.m. ET
Taylor Swift is putting her golden heart on display for Ashley Taunton, the heroic mom who took the brutal impact of a car accident on herself to save some teens.
According to recent aid sent to the GoFundMe page supporting the victim, the "Bejeweled" singer reportedly donated $50,000 to help Taunton out.
Taylor Swift Sent Best Wishes to Ashley Taunton
Ashley Taunton, the wife of Joe and mother of their three children, was severely injured while driving on I-95 South in Rhode Island during a severe rainstorm.
"Wishing you the best recovery possible and sending love to your family," a comment left by Swift read on August 28, as shared by Taunton on her Instagram handle.
According to the GoFundMe page, the donations are to help the Taunton family cover daily household bills and expenses, gas and travel costs for commuting to the hospital, meals and groceries for the children, and medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Per USA Today, Taunton is a 42-year-old certified nursing assistant from Connecticut. The wife of Joe and mother of their three children, she was severely injured while driving on I-95 South in Rhode Island during a severe rainstorm on July 18.
According to the GoFundMe page, seeing someone in urgent need after a car accident, Taunton pulled over to help. But while she was assisting them, another vehicle hydroplaned and came hurtling directly toward them.
Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to a selfless mother who put herself in harm's way to save teens.
"In a split-second act of pure bravery, Ashley pushed the other person out of harm's way, taking the brunt of the impact herself," the description read.
"Because of her selfless courage, Ashley is now facing a very long and difficult road to recovery. She has already undergone two major surgeries in the last 18 hours alone, with more scheduled in the days ahead," the description on the GoFundMe page continued.
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Taunton Said She Wants to Hug Taylor Swift
Ashley Taunton said she wished she could 'hug Taylor Swift' to tell her how 'grateful' she is.
Talking to USA Today, Taunton said she felt sad about what her husband and children had to go through because of her immobility just two hours before she learned of the "Bad Blood" singer's donation.
"I'm so incredibly humbled and grateful that God uses people to bless us too much and that this story made it to people like Taylor Swift," she said. "I wish I could hug Taylor in real life just to tell her how grateful I am."
Taunton also added that the money means so much to their family, as her husband, who is the family's breadwinner, has run out of work leave after caring for her.
Ashley Taunton also praised Taylor Swift's unparalleled songwriting skills.
Taunton also heaped praise on the singer, adding that she has long admired Swift's unparalleled songwriting skills.
She said, "I've always loved her ability to connect and just be real."
Meanwhile, the fundraiser's organizer and Taunton's friend, Laura Ortelt, told the outlet in a statement, "This is certainly a huge surprise, and the generosity of Taylor is well known and appreciated."
