A student from the University of Alabama endured several skull fractures and additional injuries following a fall during a family vacation in the Caribbean.

A GoFundMe campaign for Matthew Polaski and his family notes, “What began as a joyful family holiday turned into every parent’s worst nightmare.”

According to the page, “Mike, Steph, Matthew, and Evan were enjoying a family getaway in the Dominican Republic over the holidays while Matthew was on his winter break from his first year at the University of Alabama.”

The GoFundMe further explains, “On December 28th, Matthew experienced a serious head injury due to a fall. He was urgently taken to a local hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to ease brain swelling and save his life. He remains in critical care under a medically induced coma. Once his condition was stable, Matthew was transported via international medical flight to Miami for ongoing treatment.”

Matthew Polaski, pictured left, is on the road to recovery after a fall during a family trip to the Dominican Republic, according to the GoFundMe page. (GoFundMe)

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.