Alabama student suffers ‘bad’ fall on Caribbean family vacation: report

A University of Alabama student reportedly suffered multiple skull fractures and other injuries after falling while on vacation with his family in the Caribbean.

A GoFundMe page set up for Matthew Polaski and his family reads, “What should have been a happy time together quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.”

“Mike, Steph, Matthew, and Evan were on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic over the holidays while Matthew was home on winter break from his freshman year at the University of Alabama,” the GoFundMe page added.

“On December 28, Matthew suffered a serious head injury after a fall. He was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve swelling in his brain and save his life. He is in critical condition and is in a medically induced coma,” it continued. “Once stabilized, Matthew was transported by international medical flight to Miami, where his treatment continues.”

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The circumstances of the fall were unclear. Fox News Digital has also reached out to the University of Alabama for comment.

The GoFundMe describes Polaski as “an active, respectful young man with a deep love for gymnastics.”

“He just started his college journey at Alabama, joined the Sigma Pi fraternity, and has his whole future ahead of him. Mike and Steph have been unwavering in their support – attending countless meetings, tournaments, and college visits to help Matthew pursue his dreams,” it added.

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An update posted Wednesday on the GoFundMe page described how Matthew Polaski suffered “a skull fracture, a fractured pelvis and a fractured lower spine.”

“They reduced tremors and tested motor responses, both arms and legs responded to chest stimulation, another positive early sign. Much is still being determined especially with unknown head injuries,” added the update. “Probably the most emotional update as a parent, Matthew started moving on his own, opened his mouth, and squeezed 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 its chief.

A GoFundMe page said Matthew Polaski’s medical bills in the Dominican Republic have reached nearly $75,000.

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“The cost of international medical transportation alone is estimated between $ 35,000 and $ 55,000. Unfortunately, insurance provides very limited coverage of international medical care, and even with insurance, medical costs in the US are growing rapidly. This is just the beginning,” it said.