Taylor Swift has extended a helping hand to a mother of three who was seriously injured after risking her own safety to save teenagers involved in a car accident.
The award-winning singer-songwriter donated $50,000, or more than ₱3.11 million, to the online fundraiser created to help Ashley Taunton with her medical expenses and long road to recovery.
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According to multiple international news outlets, Ashley was driving along I-95 Highway during a heavy rainstorm on July 18 when she saw a vehicle ahead of her lose control on the rain-soaked road and slid off the highway.
Ashley immediately pulled over and ran toward the crashed vehicle to help the teenagers inside.
But while she was assisting them, another vehicle also lost control and suddenly barreled toward them.
In a split-second decision, Ashley pushed another person away from the vehicle's path and ended up taking the impact herself.
“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. Because of her selfless courage, Ashley is now facing a very long and difficult road to recovery,” read the description of the online fundraiser.
Her husband, Joe, told NBC News that she suffered a serious leg injury and extensive internal injuries, including damage to her small and large intestines, liver lacerations, and a ruptured diaphragm that caused one of her lungs to collapse.
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After being put in an induced coma and undergoing three surgeries, Ashley later returned home wearing leg braces as she continues her recovery.
She has also been documenting her difficult journey on social media, sharing glimpses of herself in the hospital, as well as photos showing her abdominal scars, bruises, and fractures.
A friend eventually created a GoFundMe campaign to help Ashley cover her medical bills and other expenses throughout her recovery.
Amid her healing journey, Ashley received an unexpected surprise when she discovered that Taylor had made a $50,000 donation to her fundraiser.
On August 29, Ashley shared a screenshot showing Taylor's contribution, which came with a personal message from the singer.
“Wishing you the best recovery possible and sending love to your family,” Taylor's message read.
Ashley was understandably overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture.
“Like how 😭 this is absolutely mind-blowing and so very humbling. @taylorswift you are a beautiful soul I wish I could hug you IRL [in real life]. Maybe the next time your in Westerly 😘 I live 20 minutes away 🫶,” she wrote.
She added: “Thank you Jesus for so many amazing humans. This is unbelievable and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. To God be the glory!”
Taylor's donation also prompted an outpouring of support from fans and netizens, many of whom thanked the singer for her generosity while continuing to wish Ashley a speedy recovery.
Others also highlighted Ashley's own act of courage, expressing gratitude that she put herself in danger to help the teenagers involved in the initial crash.
“This is wonderful!🙌❤️😍We love seeing these blessings poured out on you! May God continue to bless you and your family richly❤️,” one commented.
“Ashley, this is beyond incredible! You are so deserving of @taylorswift 🫶🏻 gift! Thank you, Taylor, for your kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity towards this beautiful family! 🩷,” another wrote.
Inspired by Taylor's contribution, some Swifties also launched a $13 (around ₱800) collective donation drive in honor of the singer's favorite number.
Other supporters have likewise continued contributing to Ashley's fundraiser, which has received more than a thousand donations since it was launched.
With Taylor's donation giving the campaign a significant boost, the GoFundMe had raised more than $83,164 or over ₱5.18 million, as of the early morning of August 30.
Taylor has long been known for extending her generosity to charitable causes and nonprofit organizations.
Just last July, ahead of her wedding to now-husband Travis Kelce, the celebrity couple donated a combined $26 million or more than ₱1.62 billion to at least 20 charities and nonprofit organizations across the United States.
Their donations supported causes involving hunger relief, education, children's healthcare, and animal welfare.
Taylor also ended 2025 by donating to several charities, hospitals supporting pediatric health, and organizations dedicated to helping families and children living in poverty.