Augusta, GA
Through pain, acid victim still smiling as she recovers in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. – A Savannah woman faces a long road to recovery after a stranger attacked her with acid that ate through her clothes and covered 50% of her body with burns.
Ashley Wasielewski is trying to recover after receiving a first round of emergency surgery at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.
The attack happened last Wednesday at Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park when a man stepped out of the shadows and poured acid all over Wasielewski.
The recovery has been extremely difficult, according to her friend Kristen Oddi, of Marietta.
Most of the burns have been diagnosed as third-degree, covering over 50% of her body, Oddi wrote on a GoFundMe page.
She said it’s unlikely one burned area of Wasielewski’s scalp will ever grow hair again.

She added that the most crucial next step is to see if Ashley’s body will accept the cadaver skin from a recent surgery.
If that happens, skin graft surgeries will proceed, Oddi said.
Plastic surgery is ahead for her, but there’s no timetable yet.
Beyond that, Wasielewski faces rehabilitation, occupational therapy, wound management, long-term support and follow-up.
For now, she’s stable, according to Oddi.
And despite the hardship she’s been through and that lies ahead, she’s smiling in a photo from her hospital bed, with little other than her eyes and mouth visible through openings in gauze that covers her face.
“She will come back so much stronger,” Oddi said. “That, I don’t have a single doubt about.”
The investigation continues
Police are looking for the suspect and have spoken with two witnesses.
They’re hoping to speak with a third person whose photo they posted and to find the driver of a vehicle that was spotted nearby.
Meanwhile, the FBI is offering a $5,000 reward for tips.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Georgia Lt. Gov candidate Rep. David Clark visits Augusta
Georgia Lt. Gov candidate state Rep. David Clark made a stop in Augusta Saturday. He says that some of his priorities if he wins include expanding school choice, eliminating the state income and property taxes, and reaching out to younger voters.
Clark is also an Army veteran, who served overseas. He hopes to represent all Georgians.
“Before politics and parties we’re Americans, we’re Georgians. That’s the biggest thing. People want someone who stands up and listens to people,” said Clark.
“I’m not saying we’re always going to agree, but in the end—we’re the American family, we’re the Georgian family.”
The Georgia primary will take place on May 19th, and the general election will be on November 3rd.
Augusta, GA
Car enthusiasts meet to talk rides and drink coffee
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Car enthusiasts met Saturday morning at the Augusta Richmond County Judicial Building to show off their cars and meet others.
It was also an opportunity for these people to network with others.
One of the group leaders spoke about the event.
“So we like to be a community-oriented club. We give back to charities with the money that we make off the car shows. So we just like to come hang out and just look at other cars, and talk to other car enthusiasts,” said Mike Anchor, CSRA Mustang and Ford Club.
There are get-togethers like this every month.
They’re normally the first Saturday of the month and start at 9 a.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Structure fire blocks multiple lanes on Peach Orchard Road
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Augusta Fire Department responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning in the 3600 block of Peach Orchard Road.
Fire truck shortage forces local departments to wait years for equipment
Emergency crews blocked multiple lanes as they battled the fire, according to a Facebook post from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
News 12 has reached out to the Augusta Fire Department to determine the cause of the fire and to inquire about any reported injuries.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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