Woman Recovering After Chemical Attack in Savannah Park

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the Savannah community, 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski is fighting to recover from severe burns after being attacked with a corrosive chemical during her evening walk. The unprovoked assault occurred around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday near Forsyth Park, where Wasielewski was taking a leisurely stroll after attending a Christmas program at her church. The attack has left her with second- and third-degree burns covering approximately half of her body, including her scalp, face, hands, and legs, drastically altering the life of a woman described by loved ones as someone who “doesn’t have enemies” and is “a friend to everyone.”

According to her friend Connor Milam, Wasielewski noticed someone approaching from behind during her walk. As she turned around, the unknown assailant immediately doused her with what she initially thought was water. The horrifying reality became clear moments later when her skin began to burn, and she watched in terror as her pants started to disintegrate. “She started screaming,” Milam recounted, capturing the sudden transition from an ordinary evening to a life-threatening situation. The randomness of the attack has added another layer of fear to the incident, with police believing the perpetrator was a stranger with no apparent connection to Wasielewski.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson has condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts have “no place in Savannah” while assuring residents that the Police Department is treating the case “with the highest urgency.” Authorities have released security camera footage showing a person of interest wearing a dark hoodie and are actively pursuing leads to identify the attacker. The investigation has expanded to include collaboration with the FBI to determine the specific chemical used in the assault, highlighting the seriousness with which law enforcement is approaching this case and their commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice.

The attack has not only left Wasielewski with physical injuries that will require extensive treatment and recovery but has also sent shockwaves through the Savannah community, raising concerns about public safety. Her son, Westley Wasielewski, expressed bewilderment at the seemingly random nature of the attack, emphasizing that his mother is known for her friendly disposition and has no known enemies who might target her in such a vicious manner. The family is now faced with supporting her through what will likely be a lengthy and painful recovery process while simultaneously grappling with the unsettling reality that the attack appears to have been completely unprovoked.

Despite the severity of the incident, Mayor Johnson has attempted to reassure the public, stating that “there is currently no information indicating a broader or ongoing threat to the public.” However, the random nature of the attack has inevitably raised concerns among residents about their safety while enjoying public spaces in the city. The image of a person enjoying an evening walk suddenly becoming the victim of such a violent assault challenges the sense of security many take for granted and serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise even in familiar surroundings.

As the investigation continues and Wasielewski begins her journey toward recovery, the incident stands as a sobering example of how quickly life can change through no fault of one’s own. The community’s response—from the immediate police investigation to the mayor’s public statements and the support of friends and family—illustrates the ripple effects of such violence beyond the primary victim. While authorities work to identify both the perpetrator and the substance used in the attack, Ashley Wasielewski faces the daunting task of healing from injuries that cover half her body, supported by loved ones who remain shocked that someone so described as friendly to all could become the target of such senseless violence. Her story has become not just a police investigation but a reminder of human vulnerability and the community’s responsibility to look out for one another in public spaces.