8 Months After Near-Fatal Crash, Injured Toms River Officer Goes Home

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- Eight months after he was injured in a near-fatal car accident, a Toms River police officer has been released from the hospital.

Toms River police posted a message to Officer Brett Hansen on Facebook Friday, heralding his return home.

"After 8 long months in the hospital, we welcome home Officer Brett Hansen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time and long recovery back from your tragic crash on January 4th. Keep up the fight!" the message said.

Hansen, 28, who has been a patrol officer for the Toms River Police Department since August 2015, suffered life-threatening injuries Jan. 4 when his Dodge Avenger hit the rear of a tractor-trailer in the right lane of the Parkway as he drove toward his home in Brick, New Jersey State Police said.

Hansen suffered a head injury, state police said. Police said there was no evidence indicating Hansen was drunk or high while driving.

Lori and Jim Hansen, Brett Hansen's parents, created a GoFundme campaign to help with their son's medical expenses, and on the campaign page, Lori Hansen wrote she believed her son would survive despite the significant injuries he suffered.

"The extent of his facial injuries was so severe, that doctors believed he may not survive his injuries at first," she said. "But, I knew he would. WE knew he would. ... A MOTHER JUST KNOWS!"

>> READ MORE: Toms River Police Officer's Mother: 'He Will Survive. A Mother Just Knows'

Details on how much he has recovered were not released.

To continue to assist with his medical costs, the GoFundme campaign is still active and accepting donations.

Officer Brett Hansen photo via Toms River Police Department