A University of Alabama student is recovering from severe injuries, including multiple skull fractures, after an unfortunate fall during a Caribbean vacation with his family.
A GoFundMe page has been established for Matthew Polaski, detailing how a family holiday turned into a distressing ordeal. “What should have been a joyful time together quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare,” the page states.
The Polaski family—Mike, Steph, Matthew, and Evan—were spending the holiday season in the Dominican Republic. Matthew, a freshman at the University of Alabama, was enjoying his winter break when the incident occurred.
On December 28th, Matthew sustained a serious head injury from a fall. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to alleviate brain swelling and save his life. Currently, he remains in critical care, having been placed in a medically induced coma. Once his condition stabilized, he was airlifted to Miami for continued treatment.
Details surrounding the fall remain unclear. Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Alabama for further information.
The circumstances of the fall were not immediately clear. Fox News Digital also has reached out to the University of Alabama for comment.
The GoFundMe describes Polaski as a “hardworking, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics.”
“He recently began his college journey at Alabama, joined Sigma Pi fraternity, and has his whole future ahead of him. Mike and Steph have always been unwavering in their support — traveling to countless meets, tournaments, and college visits to help Matthew pursue his dreams,” it added.
Matthew Polaski was vacationing with his family in the Dominican Republic when he suffered the fall, the GoFundMe page said. (iStock)
An update posted Wednesday on the GoFundMe page described how Matthew Polaski suffered “skull fractures, fractured pelvis and lower back vertebrate fractures.”
“They reduced sedation and checked motor responses, both arms and legs responded on chest stimulation, another good early sign. Much is still being determined with mostly with the head injury for unknowns,” the update added. “Probably the most emotional update as a parent, Matthew started motion on his own, opened his mouth, and squeezed Steph’s hand in responses. I can’t imagine how many tears Steph had in that moment.”
The Robbinsville Police Department in New Jersey said Matthew’s father used to be its chief.
The GoFundMe page said Matthew Polaski’s medical bills in the Dominican Republic have reached nearly $75,000.
Polaski is a first-year student at the University of Alabama, according to the GoFundMe page. (Getty Images)
“International medical transport costs alone are estimated between $35,000 and $55,000. Unfortunately, insurance provides very limited coverage for international medical care, and even with insurance, medical expenses in the U.S. add up quickly. This is only the beginning,” it said.
