University of Alabama Student Suffers Severe Injuries During Family Vacation
In what should have been a joyful holiday break, University of Alabama freshman Matthew Polaski’s life took a devastating turn on December 28th. While vacationing with his parents, Mike and Stephanie, and his brother Evan in the Dominican Republic, Matthew suffered a severe fall resulting in multiple skull fractures, a fractured pelvis, and lower back vertebrae fractures. The accident transformed what was meant to be a cherished family memory into what the family’s GoFundMe page describes as “every parent’s worst nightmare.” Following his fall, Matthew was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve brain swelling—a procedure that saved his life. Medical professionals placed him in a medically induced coma to stabilize his condition before arranging an international medical flight to Miami, where he continues to receive critical care.
The recent update from Matthew’s family brings a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty. After reducing his sedation, doctors observed positive motor responses, with movement in both his arms and legs responding to chest stimulation. In what was described as “probably the most emotional update as a parent,” Matthew has begun showing signs of consciousness—opening his mouth and squeezing his mother’s hand in response to stimuli. These small but significant improvements represent crucial steps in what will likely be a long and challenging recovery journey. While much remains unknown about the extent of his head injury and the long-term prognosis, these early indicators have provided his family with a desperately needed reason for optimism.
Matthew is described by those who know him as a “hardworking, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics.” Having just begun his college journey at the University of Alabama, he had joined the Sigma Pi fraternity and was looking forward to his future. His parents have been consistently supportive throughout his life, “traveling to countless meets, tournaments, and college visits” to help their son pursue his dreams. The Robbinsville Police Department in New Jersey revealed that Matthew’s father, Mike Polaski, formerly served as their chief, highlighting the family’s connection to public service. This background of discipline and dedication appears to have influenced Matthew’s character and his approach to both academics and athletics.
The financial burden on the Polaski family has already reached staggering proportions. Medical bills from the Dominican Republic have climbed to nearly $75,000, while the international medical transport costs alone were estimated between $35,000 and $55,000. The family’s situation highlights a common challenge for Americans requiring medical care abroad, as insurance typically provides very limited coverage for international medical emergencies. Even with insurance, the ongoing medical expenses in the United States “add up quickly,” according to the GoFundMe page. The fundraising effort emphasizes that these initial costs represent “only the beginning” of what will likely be significant long-term medical expenses as Matthew continues his recovery.
The incident brings to light the unpredictable nature of international travel and the particular vulnerabilities travelers face when medical emergencies occur abroad. While the specific circumstances of Matthew’s fall remain unclear, his case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly a vacation can transform from a time of relaxation into a medical crisis. For college students and their families, this story resonates particularly strongly, as winter and spring breaks often involve international travel. The logistical complexities of arranging emergency medical care in a foreign country, followed by the challenging process of medical evacuation, demonstrate the additional layers of difficulty families face when crises occur away from home.
The community response to the Polaski family’s ordeal has been a testament to the power of collective support during times of crisis. Through the GoFundMe campaign, friends, family, and strangers alike have rallied to help offset the enormous medical costs and provide emotional support during this challenging time. The University of Alabama community, particularly Matthew’s fraternity brothers at Sigma Pi, have been part of this support network. As Matthew continues his treatment in Miami, the outpouring of concern and financial assistance represents a bright spot in an otherwise devastating situation. His story serves as both a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of life and travel, and a powerful example of how communities can come together to support a family facing their darkest hours. While Matthew’s journey to recovery is just beginning, the compassion shown by supporters provides his family with strength as they navigate this difficult path forward.
