A University of Alabama student and the son of a retired New Jersey police chief suffered a severe head injury while on a family vacation in the Caribbean, prompting emergency surgery overseas and an international medical evacuation back to the United States, according to information shared by his family, as reported by The New York Post.

Matthew Polaski, a freshman at the University of Alabama, was vacationing with his family in the Dominican Republic during the holidays when the incident occurred.

A GoFundMe page established to assist the family stated that what was meant to be a holiday break quickly turned into a medical emergency.

Son of retired NJ police chief suffers 'severe head injury' while on family vacation in Caribbean | New York Post A GoFundMe page set up for Matthew Polaski and his family reads, "What should have been a joyful https://t.co/Tz6fAiV6dK

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“What should have been a joyful time together quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare,” the fundraising page reads.

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According to the family, Matthew was traveling with his parents, Mike and Steph Polaski, and his brother, Evan, while home from college for winter break.

On Dec. 28, Matthew suffered a fall that resulted in a severe head injury. The specific circumstances surrounding the fall have not been made public.

“On December 28th, Matthew suffered a severe head injury after a fall,” the GoFundMe page stated.

“He was rushed to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to relieve swelling on his brain and save his life. He remains in critical care and was placed in a medically induced coma.”

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Once stabilized, Matthew was transported by international medical flight to Miami, where his treatment is continuing.

Family members said doctors overseas moved quickly to address swelling in his brain before arranging for the transfer.

An update posted Wednesday on the GoFundMe page detailed the extent of Matthew’s injuries, stating that he suffered “skull fractures, fractured pelvis and lower back vertebrate fractures.”

The update also described early signs of responsiveness following a reduction in sedation.

“They reduced sedation and checked motor responses; both arms and legs responded on chest stimulation, another good early sign,” the update said. “Much is still being determined with mostly with the head injury, for unknowns.”

The family shared another moment that underscored cautious optimism.

“Probably the most emotional update as a parent, Matthew started motion on his own, opened his mouth, and squeezed Steph’s hand in responses,” the update said. “I can’t imagine how many tears Steph had in that moment.”

The GoFundMe page described Matthew Polaski as a dedicated student-athlete with a passion for gymnastics.

It noted that he recently began his college career at Alabama, joined Sigma Pi fraternity, and has been supported throughout his athletic pursuits by his parents, who traveled extensively to competitions and college visits.

The Robbinsville Police Department confirmed that Matthew’s father previously served as the department’s police chief.

In addition to the medical crisis, the family is facing mounting financial costs. According to the GoFundMe page, medical bills incurred in the Dominican Republic have reached nearly $75,000.

The family estimates international medical transport alone cost 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,” the page stated. “This is only the beginning.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Alabama for comment.

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