Alabama student suffers ‘serious’ fall on family’s Caribbean vacation: report
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A University of Alabama student reportedly suffered multiple skull fractures and other injuries after falling while vacationing in the Caribbean with his family.
“What was supposed to be a fun time together quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare,” the GoFundMe page for Matthew Polaski and his family reads.
The GoFundMe page added: “While Mike, Steph, Matthew and Evan were on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic during the holidays, Matthew was home for winter break after his freshman year at the University of Alabama.”
The statement continued: “On December 28, Matthew suffered a serious head injury following a fall. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve swelling in his brain and save his life. He remains in intensive care and has been placed in a medically induced coma.” “Once Matthew was stabilized, he was transported via international medical plane to Miami where he continues to receive treatment.”
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Matthew Polaski (left) is recovering after a fall during a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, the GoFundMe page said. (GoFundMe)
The circumstances of the crash were not immediately clear. Fox News Digital has also reached out to the University of Alabama for comment.
The GoFundMe describes Polaski as “a hard-working, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics.”
“He recently started his college journey at Alabama, joined the Sigma Pi fraternity, and has his entire 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.”
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The GoFundMe page said Matthew Polaski was vacationing in the Dominican Republic with his family when he suffered the fall. (iStock)
An update posted on the GoFundMe page on Wednesday describes how Matthew Polaski suffered “skull fractures, a broken pelvis, and a fractured lumbar spine.”
The update added: “They reduced sedation and controlled motor responses, with both arms and legs responding to chest stimulation, another good early sign. Much is still being determined, mostly for the unknowns related to head trauma.” “Possibly the most emotional update as a parent, Matthew took action on his own, opened his mouth and shook Steph’s hand in response. I can’t imagine how many tears Steph shed at that moment.”
The Robbinsville Police Department in New Jersey said Matthew’s father was formerly a police chief.
The GoFundMe page said Matthew Polaski’s medical bills in the Dominican Republic reached nearly $75,000.
According to the GoFundMe page, Polaski is a freshman at the University of Alabama. (Getty Images)
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“International medical transportation costs alone are estimated to be 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. skyrocket. This is just the beginning.” he said.
