A University of Alabama student and son of a retired New Jersey police chief is currently battling severe injuries after a tragic fall during a family vacation in the Caribbean.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Matthew Polaski and his family. The page poignantly describes the situation, stating, “What should have been a joyful time together quickly became every parent’s worst nightmare.”

The family, which includes Mike, Steph, Matthew, and Evan, was vacationing in the Dominican Republic while Matthew was on winter break from his freshman year at the University of Alabama, according to the GoFundMe post.

The incident occurred on December 28th when Matthew suffered a severe head injury from a fall. He was promptly taken to a local hospital, where emergency surgery was performed to alleviate brain swelling and save his life. Currently, he remains in critical care and is in a medically induced coma. Once his condition stabilized, he was flown by international medical transport to Miami for further treatment.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the fall are still unclear. Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Alabama for further comment on this heartbreaking incident.

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.

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. 

“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.