Massachusetts State Police Trooper Matthew McRae, who has been in recovery since August after a serious car crash in Utah left him in critical condition, was discharged from the hospital this weekend, Boston 25 News reported.
McRae left Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston early Saturday, and he was expected to receive a State Police escort back to his home, according to Boston 25 News. The trooper’s discharge comes following news he regained the ability to walk, “a remarkable milestone on his path to recovery,” the State Police Association of Massachusetts said in a Facebook post.
“Trooper McRae’s journey to this point has been marked by incredible determination, bolstered by the unwavering support of his fellow Troopers and the wider community,” the post read.
Around 1 a.m. on Aug. 25, McRae was riding passenger in a ride-share while on vacation in Salt Lake City, Utah when the car was struck by another vehicle, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support the injured trooper. McRae, another passenger and the driver of the ride-share were all taken to the hospital with severe injuries. The crash left the trooper in critical condition with a broken neck and spinal injury.
The operator of the car that crashed into the ride-share vehicle was arrested on the suspicion they were driving under the influence, according to the GoFundMe page.
In late August, McRae was in critical condition in the intensive care unit at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, and his health was slowly improving. By late September, he was settled in at a Boston area rehabilitation hospital, “making gains in his recovery,” the State Police Association of Massachusetts said. At that point, he was able to move his extremities, speak with family and friends and begin physical therapy.
The GoFundMe page was set up to pay for a potential medical transport flight and any health care McRae would need as his recovery progressed. As of Saturday, $134,060 had been raised toward the page’s $60,000 goal.
McRae had been a state trooper in Massachusetts for four years and previously was a local police officer for three years. In his current role, he “has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the people of the Commonwealth,” the GoFundMe page says.
“For those who know Matthew, we can agree that he is a generous and fun-loving person. He has helped so many people within his personal and professional life, now it is time to help him,” the GoFundMe page adds.
