Family of Carrum Downs woman Ashley Howlett thank quick-thinking police officer after horrific motorcycle crash

A popular Carrum Downs woman has had her life forever changed after she was hit by a motorcyclist, suffering horrific injuries.

Ashley was walking her dog Gnocchi when she was struck by the motorcyclist. Picture: Supplied.

A beloved Carrum Downs disability support worker is fighting for her life after she was struck by a motorcyclist while walking her dog.
Ashley Howlett, 31, was walking her dog Gnocchi across McCormicks Rd in Carrum Downs at 7.20pm on Tuesday last week when she was hit by a motorcyclist who was allegedly attempting to evade police.

Ashley’s aunty Carolyn Oldano said it was the actions of a quick-thinking police officer who saved her niece’s life.

Ashley remains in The Alfred. Picture: Supplied.

“The police witnessed the accident and the first officer called the ambulance, thinking she wouldn’t make it,” she said.

“The second officer immediately started doing CPR and he used own clothes to tourniquet her leg.

“His actions saved her life.”

Ms Oldano said Ashley was still in a critical condition at The Alfred.

“Almost every day has been a new operation,” she said.

“There is a long way to go but she has been more responsive and even managed a very tiny smile.”

After the accident Ashley suffered a stroke, collapsed lungs, shattered knee caps, a broken pelvis, broken ribs and a broken femur. She has also had one leg amputated.

Ashley’s family decorated her hospital room with photos of her friends, family and kind messages from her clients. Picture: Facebook.

Despite her intense pain, Ashley managed to answer yes or no questions when she was taken out of her medically induced coma by moving her foot to signal she was happy to see her partner of 10 years, Shaun.

“This has been extremely tough for our family, Ashley is the glue for everyone,” Ms Oldano said.

“She is just everyone’s person and if she could help everyone in the world she would.

“It is impossible to understand why someone so selfless and loving would have to endure this.”

Ashley’s mum and partner Shaun have constantly been at her bedside throughout her recovery process. Picture: Supplied.

Ashley’s tight knit family started a GoFundMe to help with her recovery, which has so far raised more than $90,000.

“Ashley is forever changed and we cannot go back in time but we want to do anything we can to help her,” said Ms Oldano.

Inverloch man Jefferson Hughes, 29, was charged with a string of charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, drive in a manner dangerous and unlicensed driving after the horror accident.

Victoria Police alleged the rider was unlicensed and also returned a positive oral fluid test.

Mr Hughes remains in police custody and will next appear before the Frankston’s Magistrates Court on October 21.