DALTON, Ga. — Brianna Bauswell said it is in her mother’s nature to try to help someone. So when Katherine Bauswell saw a motorcyclist crash into the median of Chatsworth Highway on Tuesday night, she grabbed her phone, called 911 and went to see if she could help.

Her good deed turned horrifying when the Chatsworth woman was hit by a vehicle while going to the cyclist’s aid. 

Katherine Bauswell, 45, underwent another surgery to repair her left leg Thursday morning and was in stable condition at Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga. She was struck by a Ford Focus while she was on the phone with 911 calling in the motorcycle accident.

“She was just trying to help someone out, and that is who she is,” Brianna Bauswell said. “She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. She got hurt doing what she loves to do and that is helping others. I love the fact she was trying to help, and hate that it happened.”

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Cody Cantrell said Katherine Bauswell was at a gas station at Cedar Ridge Road and Chatsworth Highway when motorcyclist Thomas McDaniel crashed into the median of the road at about 8:40 p.m. Cantrell said Bauswell went to check on McDaniel and was struck by the Focus. McDaniel suffered minor injuries and has been in contact with Bauswell’s family. 

“She was trying to do a good thing and it was an unfortunate circumstance,” Cantrell said. “It was dark and she was wearing dark clothing and a car topped the hill and the older gentleman driving the car couldn’t see her. It was really an unfortunate situation.”

The driver of the Focus will not be charged, Cantrell said.

Brianna Bauswell said her mother’s left leg was shattered and her right knee cap was broken. She was flown by helicopter to Erlanger and had emergency surgery to stop blood loss. Brianna Bauswell said between the two surgeries her mother will need 10 pints of blood. She asks those who are reaching out and offering their prayers and sympathies to also consider donating blood. 

“She is doing OK and she is in and out,” Brianna Bauswell said. “The response from people has been overwhelming. It has been incredible. The only thing we are asking for is for people to donate blood in her name to Blood Assurance. It doesn’t matter what type you have, it will be credited to her.”

Katherine Bauswell was born in Tennessee and is a graduate of Murray County High School. She has been employed with Shaw Industries at the company’s Duvall Road plant in Chatsworth for 24 years.