Zachary Park, a junior at the University of Michigan and native of Westfield, NJ was studying aboard in Madrid, Spain when he sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Zach should be having the experience of a lifetime and was so grateful for this incredible opportunity to study abroad. But on January 13, 2026 Zach was leaving the apartment of a friend and was seriously injured.

Zach sustained a fractured skull and was rushed into surgery. A life-saving emergency craniotomy was performed to relieve the pressure on his brain. Zach is currently in critical condition at a well-known hospital in Madrid and receiving excellent clinical care. However, he remains critical and in a medically-induced coma. Zach's family has been informed he can not be transported home for roughly 3 months. This is not possible with a traumatic brain injury due to the air pressure and need for the brain to heal.

Nobody knows what happened to Zach and there are no witnesses at this time. This is an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances so the family has asked their community to try not to speculate until we have more answers. And we may never have them.

The most important thing is that Zach and his Mom (Cheryl) need our help!! Cheryl will of course be staying in Madrid to be by Zach's bedside throughout this ordeal. We do not know what lies ahead for Zach, but we all want to support Cheryl in doing all she can to be there for Zach and assure that he is receiving the care he needs.

There are significant financial burdens including medical bills, housing, transportation and other expenses for the time Cheryl will be living abroad to care for her son. We are calling on our broader communities of Westfield, Blue Devils Ice Hockey, University of Michigan and Woven Health (Cheryl's workplace) and anyone who is willing to help this beloved family in their time of need.

A little more about Zachary. He is incredibly bright and funny and also very kind. He has an older brother Alex who is 24 years old and a younger brother Jake who is a freshman and attends the University of Michigan as well. Zach loves his brothers and his family fiercely. He is also the friend who is always there when you need him. In high school, Zach was one of the captains of the Westfield Ice Hockey team and the president of the Westfield Flag Football League. He will forever be a Blue Devil. Zach is now studying at the Ross School of Business at Michigan. He is active in the Michigan community as a member of Alternative Investments Club, Michigan Sport Venture Group, Michigan Investment Banking Club, and student-run UpRound Ventures. Zach was also the President of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Michigan last year. His fraternity brothers say Zach is upbeat, smiley, charismatic and outgoing.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for supporting the Park's during this difficult time. They are taking it day-by-day and we will do our best to update all of you on Zach's progress over the coming months. We appreciate all prayers and positive energy in Zach's direction in addition to whatever you feel comfortable contributing. Thank you! ❤️

Administation of Account

Organizer Relationship to Recipient: Family friend

Distribute Funds via bank wire transfer

All donations will be utilized for medical expenses for Zach and other expenses related to his care.