OUNGRE – Owen Ashworth knows firsthand the life-saving impact of STARS. The southeast Saskatchewan resident has been airlifted by the emergency medical service twice – once in 2013 following a motorbike accident on his family’s farm, and again in 2021 after a collision involving a fertilizer machine and a semi-truck.
“He’s been given a second and third chance at life,” said his mother, Janice Ashworth in an interview with STARS.
Now, Owen is being recognized as one of STARS’ Very Important Patients (VIPs) and is featured in the organization’s 2025 fundraising calendar, .
A survivor’s story
Owen’s first accident occurred just before his final year of high school. The crash left him with a brain injury, requiring three months in hospital. Thanks to STARS’ rapid response, he stabilized and went on to graduate, earning his 1A licence to drive semi-trucks. He worked on his family’s farm, Ashworth Farm and Ranch Ltd., and took jobs in the oil industry and on a road crew.
In 2021, tragedy struck again. While operating a fertilizer machine, Owen collided with a semi-truck and suffered another severe brain injury. STARS responded at the scene, providing critical care before airlifting him to hospital, where he underwent surgery.
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Despite the challenges, Owen has made another remarkable recovery.
“He’s living his life, and he thinks it’s awesome, so, we do too,” said Janice.
Family gives back through bull sale
Grateful for the care Owen received, the Ashworth family has become . Their farm, located near Oungre, hosts an annual bull sale on the first Monday of March, with proceeds helping to fund STARS’ life-saving missions.
“For 40 years, dedication from our communities has made second chances for VIPs like Owen Ashworth possible, and his family is part of that legacy," STARS said in a social media post on March 3. "Donations from their annual Ashworth Bull Sale help ensure others have the same life-saving care when they need it most.”
This year’s bull sale took place on March 3, continuing the Ashworths’ commitment to giving back.
As a first responder herself, Janice emphasizes the importance of STARS in rural communities, where distance and time are critical factors in emergencies.
The Ashworth family has shown immense gratitude towards STARS. Since Owen’s first accident, they have been dedicated supporters, fundraising for the organization through their livestock business.
Through their ongoing support, the Ashworths help ensure that others in similar situations receive the same second chances that Owen did, STARS said in its feature story.
