Forsyth Park acid attack victim undergoes first skin graft surgery as fundraising efforts continue
By Tia Maggio
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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) — Nearly two weeks after 46-year-old Ashley Wasieleski was attacked with acid at Forsyth Park, police have not announced an arrest and say there are no new updates in the investigation.
Wasieleski underwent her first skin-graft surgery Tuesday, according to friends and family. Skin grafting involves removing skin from another part of the body and transplanting it to cover burned areas, burn specialist Dr. Steven Kahn said. Recovery from severe burn injuries can require multiple procedures over weeks or even years, he said.
The surgeries can be extremely painful and costly. Kahn said treatment for extensive burns can range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, reach six- or seven-figure totals.
Community fundraising to help cover Wasieleski’s medical bills has surpassed $275,000, according to organizers. More than $100,000 in reward money has also been pledged for information leading to the person responsible.
Car dealership owner O.C. Welch and attorney Mark Tate said they personally raised $81,000 for the reward. Welch, who has offered rewards in other high-profile cases, said the goal is to help bring closure to victims and their families.
The FBI is asking anyone with home security video from the west side of Forsyth Park from the night of the attack to contact investigators. Savannah police said Wednesday that there is no new information to release.
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