Taylor Swift makes generous donation over heroic act

Taylor Swift has donated $50,000 to support a woman who was seriously injured after helping stranded teenagers during a car accident.

The recipient, Ashley Taunton, a 42-year-old nursing assistant and mother of three from Connecticut, was driving on a highway in Rhode Island in July when she noticed a car accident ahead involving several teenagers. Taunton stopped to help, checking on the group after their vehicle had hydroplaned.

While she was assisting them, another car lost control on the wet road and came toward the group. Taunton pushed one of the teens out of the way just before being struck by the oncoming vehicle herself.

Taunton described the impact as feeling like a large explosion, and she suffered severe injuries, including internal bleeding, multiple fractures, and damage to several internal organs. She was rushed to the Rhode Island Hospital, where doctors say her recovery could take up to a year.

Despite the seriousness of her injuries, Taunton was grateful for surviving the incident, crediting a sense of divine guidance.

In an unexpected twist, Taunton later learned that one of the teenagers she saved was the son of a friend she had known for years, which led to an unexpected reunion at the hospital.

Community support for Taunton has grown massively, with fundraising collectively raising tens of thousands of dollars to help her family during her recovery. Swift's donation adds to that support.

“Life is very busy and it’s easy to postpone plans like, especially with friends and loved ones,” she told People. “I don’t want to do that anymore. I want to make sure that I am taking time, even if it’s just going to grab a coffee with a friend, because we never know how you’re going to leave this earth.”