Community rallies behind Taunton with major fundraising efforts
Community fundraisers and a major celebrity donation support Taunton's medical recovery.
Event / Disaster
Ashley Taunton Highway Rescue
On July 18, 2026, certified nursing assistant Ashley Taunton was severely injured while helping teenagers after a highway crash on I-95 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. After pushing a teen to safety, she sustained life-threatening injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to her GoFundMe fundraiser in August.
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2026-08-30 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 30 Aug, 02:20 UTC
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What happened
Taylor Swift donates $50,000 to support Taunton's medical recovery
Taylor Swift donated $50,000 to Ashley Taunton's GoFundMe fundraiser on August 28 to support medical expenses not covered by insurance, household bills, travel costs for hospital visits, and groceries for Taunton's three children. Swift included a message of support: "Wishing you the best recovery possible and sending love to your family!"
Ashley Taunton struck by vehicle while saving teens from highway crash
Ashley Taunton, a 42-year-old certified nursing assistant from Connecticut, was struck by a vehicle on I-95 in Hopkinton, Rhode Island on July 18 during a torrential rainstorm. While assisting teenagers whose vehicle had hydroplaned, another vehicle hydroplaned toward the group. Taunton pushed one of the teens out of harm's way, taking the full impact of the second vehicle herself.
GoFundMe and Meal Train fundraisers for Taunton exceed initial targets
A GoFundMe fundraiser with an initial goal of $110,000 raised over $74,000 by August 29, boosted by Swift's $50,000 donation. A separate Meal Train donation raised over $16,000 of a $20,000 goal to provide meal support for Taunton's family.
Ashley Taunton suffers severe internal injuries requiring multiple surgeries
Taunton sustained bilateral internal carotid artery dissection, liver and spleen lacerations, multiple rib fractures, a ruptured diaphragm causing lung collapse, severe leg injury, and damage to small and large intestines. She underwent at least three major surgeries and was placed in an induced coma. Recovery including physical therapy is expected to take up to 12 months.
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Man critically injured rescuing teens from highway crash
Man critically injured after being struck while rescuing teens from highway crash.