Man Pours Corrosive Chemical on 46-Year-Old Ashley Wasielewski’s Head While She Walks at Forsyth Park

A quiet evening walk at one of Savannah’s most iconic public spaces turned into a life-altering ordeal for 46-year-old Ashley Wasielewski, who is now recovering from extensive burns after being attacked with a corrosive chemical. The assault occurred at Forsyth Park, a historic and heavily frequented green space known for its tree-lined paths, playgrounds, and steady flow of locals and tourists. Authorities have described the incident as a random act carried out by an apparent stranger, intensifying concerns over public safety while investigators work to identify the suspect and the substance used.

According to Savannah police, the attack happened Wednesday night as Wasielewski was walking along the sidewalk bordering the park. She had just attended a Christmas program at a nearby church and was completing laps around the park, a routine familiar to many Savannah residents. Without warning, someone approached her from behind and poured a corrosive liquid over her head, causing immediate and severe injuries. The brutality and apparent lack of motive have left both her family and the broader community shaken.

Wasielewski was rushed to a specialized burn center in Augusta, where she is being treated for second- and third-degree burns. Her injuries are extensive, covering roughly half of her body, including her scalp, face, hands, and legs. Despite the severity of the attack, her family has chosen to speak publicly, hoping that increased awareness will lead to information that helps police make an arrest.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

Details of the assault have emerged through statements from Ashley Wasielewski’s son, Westley Wasielewski, and her close friend Connor Milam, both of whom have been at her side during her hospitalization. From her hospital bed, Wasielewski recounted noticing a shadow as someone approached her from behind while she walked along the park’s perimeter. As she turned to face the individual, the person poured a liquid over her head.

At first, she believed it was water. Within seconds, the reality became horrifyingly clear. Her skin began to burn, and the fabric of her clothing started to disintegrate. Milam said that Wasielewski looked down to see her pants burning away as she screamed for help. A bystander heard her cries and came to her aid, ultimately calling her son. Westley later said he could hear his mother’s agonized screams over the phone, a moment he described as devastating and unforgettable.

Churchgoing Georgia woman, 46 suffered severe burns in random toxic chemical attack while walking at park https://t.co/uxf0pu3zoZ pic.twitter.com/RGDrYZkskT

— New York Post (@nypost) December 13, 2025

Police have confirmed that the chemical used was extremely corrosive. Investigators told the family that the substance was so powerful it melted the key fob to Wasielewski’s car, which had been in her pocket during the attack. Savannah police spokesman Neil Penttila said detectives are working with the FBI to identify the chemical, an indication of the seriousness and complexity of the investigation.

No personal items were stolen, and there was no indication of an attempted robbery. Milam emphasized that the attacker did not take anything from Wasielewski, reinforcing the belief that the assault was not financially motivated. The absence of an apparent motive has added to the sense of unease surrounding the case.

Investigation, Public Safety Measures, and Search for a Person of Interest

Savannah police have stated that they are treating the case with the highest urgency. Officers have increased patrols at parks throughout the city in the days following the attack, aiming to reassure residents and visitors while investigators pursue leads. Police Chief Lenny Gunther confirmed the enhanced presence, underscoring the department’s commitment to preventing further incidents.

Authorities have released a security camera image of a man wearing what appears to be a dark hoodie with a large cartoon rabbit on the front. Police described the individual as a person of interest but clarified in a social media post that he is “not currently a suspect in any crime.” The release of the image is intended to generate tips from the public, not to assign guilt, as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the assault.

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Savannah Mayor Van Johnson addressed the incident in a Facebook post, calling the attack deeply troubling while also urging calm. He stated that there was no information indicating a broader or ongoing threat to the public. His comments sought to balance transparency with reassurance, acknowledging the seriousness of the crime without suggesting that Savannah’s public spaces were unsafe at large.

The involvement of the FBI reflects the technical challenges of the case, particularly the identification of the chemical used. Determining the substance could provide crucial clues about where it was obtained and how it was handled, potentially narrowing the pool of suspects. It may also have implications for the charges eventually brought against the attacker once identified.

As of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been announced. Police have not publicly named Wasielewski as the victim, a standard practice in some investigations, but her family has chosen to share her identity and story. Both her son and Milam said Wasielewski wanted people to know what happened to her, believing that public awareness could prompt someone with information to come forward.

Impact on Family, Community, and the Search for Answers

For Wasielewski’s family and friends, the attack has been both shocking and incomprehensible. Westley Wasielewski said his mother has no known enemies and is widely regarded as a kind and generous person. “She doesn’t have any enemies,” he said. “She is a friend to everyone.” Those who know her describe someone deeply involved in her community, volunteering at a local nature center and regularly assembling bags filled with snacks, toiletries, and other essentials to give to people experiencing homelessness.

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Milam echoed those sentiments, saying that those close to Wasielewski are baffled by the violence inflicted upon her. The randomness of the assault has been particularly disturbing. “This was a random person in the park who went out of their way to disfigure another human being,” she said. The deliberate nature of the act, combined with the absence of theft or personal connection, has intensified fears and questions about why it occurred.

Forsyth Park, where the attack took place, is one of Savannah’s most recognizable landmarks. It is a place associated with leisure and community, drawing runners in the early morning, families during the day, and churchgoers and evening walkers after sunset. The idea that such an attack could occur there has resonated deeply with residents, many of whom see the park as a shared civic space.

At the same time, city officials and police have emphasized that the incident appears isolated. By increasing patrols and releasing information to the public, they aim to both advance the investigation and restore confidence. Community members have responded with expressions of support for Wasielewski and her family, sharing messages of hope and encouragement while calling for justice.

Wasielewski’s recovery is expected to be long and challenging. Severe burns often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and prolonged rehabilitation. While her family has not shared specific details about her prognosis, the description of her injuries underscores the seriousness of the trauma she has endured.

By choosing to make her story public, Wasielewski and her loved ones hope to transform a deeply personal tragedy into a catalyst for accountability. They are urging anyone who may have seen something unusual at Forsyth Park that night, or who recognizes the person shown in the released image, to contact law enforcement. Their goal is not only to secure justice for Wasielewski but also to prevent similar acts from happening to others.

As investigators continue their work, the case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that can exist even in familiar, well-loved public spaces. For Savannah, the attack has prompted reflection on safety, vigilance, and the collective responsibility to look out for one another. For Ashley Wasielewski and her family, it is the beginning of a long journey toward healing, accompanied by the hope that answers and accountability will follow.