Fundraiser for Port Augusta West crash survivor Ashley Waters to support family during ‘difficult time’

Friends of 24-year-old Ashley Waters, who was seriously injured in a collision between his car and a truck at Port Augusta West, have rallied around his family while they care for him.

The family and friends of a young man seriously injured in a collision between his car and a truck on Sunday are appealing for support during his long recovery period.

Ashley Waters, 24, was seriously injured when his Ford station wagon collided with a Kenworth truck on the Eyre Hwy at Port Augusta West about 8.40pm.

Emergency services, including specialist MedStar paramedics were called to the scene and Mr Waters was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The truck driver, a 29-year-old man from Clearview, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

But now Mr Waters faces an “unimaginable long journey” to recovery and his mother is unable to work while she cares for him.

Friends of Ashley Waters (L) launched a fundraiser after he was seriously injured in a crash at Port Augusta West over the weekend. Picture: GoFundMe

Friends have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has so far attracted more than $19,000 in donations, to support Mr Waters’ family.

“Ashley’s mum will be by his bedside and unable to work for quite some time to care for her son,” fundraiser organiser Roxanne Neill wrote.

“Ashley’s family, friends and work colleagues have rallied to help him and his family through this difficult time.”

Ms Neil described Mr Waters as “a fun loving, hardworking, likeable young man who is an adored son, brother, grandson, uncle, work colleague and friend to many”.

“Ashley is a talented mechanic and is always willing to help anyone, whether he knows them or not, in their time of need,” she wrote.

“Please keep them (his family) in your thoughts, prayers and hearts during their long and courageous journey.”

She wrote that contributions “will be used to decrease the financial stresses during this time and through Ashley’s recovery”.

“We appreciate all your love, kindness, support and heartfelt messages at this time,” Ms Neil wrote.