Taylor Swift has given $5,000 to the family of a fan who died following a car accident.

Student Katie Beth Carter, 18, was involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer while driving back to Jacksonville State University in Alabama following a Labour Day weekend (03-05Sep16) at her family home in Georgia. She died on Monday (05Sep16) in hospital due to her injuries.

Her family set up a GoFundMe in Katie's memory to raise money to cover medical expenses and funeral arrangements. Taylor became aware of the page and donated $5,000.

"No words could express how sorry I am for your loss. I know that you will keep Katie's memory alive," she wrote on the account page. "Please know how much I am thinking of you and saying a prayer for your family. All my love, Taylor."

Katie's sister Kimi took a screen shot of the message and posted it on Instagram, and wrote in the caption, "this...... I cannot believe this at all..... thank you so much, Taylor.... me and my sister are smiling so hard... @taylorswift."

Taylor is no stranger to giving money to worthwhile causes - she recently donated $1 million to victims of the flooding in Louisiana, $50,000 to a cancer patient, and gave popstar Kesha $250,000 to help her as she pursues her lawsuit, on allegations of sex and emotional abuse, against producer Dr. Luke. Taylor also surprises fans with Christmas presents and hospital visits, among others.

The 26-year-old hit headlines earlier this week (beg05Sep16) when it was reported she had split from British actor Tom Hiddleston after only three months together. Reports vary on who was responsible for the break-up, but neither has commented on the speculation.