A freshman at the University of Alabama is fighting for his life in the Dominican Republic after an accident during Christmas break.
Matthew Polaski was on a family vacation when he fell on Dec. 28, 2025. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed surgery and placed him in a medically induced coma to allow brain swelling to subside. Polaski was flown to Miami in critical condition.
Doctors in Miami found Polaski suffered multiple skull fractures, a fractured pelvis and lower back vertebrae fractures.
“Matthew is a hardworking, respectful young man with a deep passion for gymnastics,” stated family friend Thomas Egan. “He recently began his college journey at Alabama, joined Sigma Pi fraternity, and has his whole future ahead of him.”
Polaski, who is from New Jersey, is an alumnus of All American Gymnastics in New Jersey.
“We love you Matt. You got this, be strong, your All-American family is praying every day for you,” the team shared.
His father, Mike, is a retired chief from the Robbinsville Township Police Department.
“Robbinsville we need your help,” the department posted on Facebook. “We are reaching out on behalf of the Polaski Family (Retired Chief Mike Polaski) to ask for support with the rapidly growing medical expenses related to their son’s surgeries and ongoing care.”
Egan set up a GoFundMe account for the Polaski family to help cover international medical costs and travel expenses. Because the accident occurred outside the country, he said most of the care in the Dominican Republic will not be covered by insurance. Donations have soared to over $200,000.
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