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

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The family of a Toms River police officer has shared details of the uphill battle he faces following a serious off-duty crash on the Garden State Parkway in Brick last week.

Brett 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 as he faces a lengthy recovery.

Brett Hansen is in a coma, Lori Hansen wrote on the GoFundme campaign page. He suffered facial injuries so significant that "he didn't even resemble my loving son," she wrote.

"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. Although my boy had lost his left eye and he may never regain sight in his right eye, that's ok with me, because I know he will survive."

The extent of brain damage he may have suffered is unknown as well because he is still in a coma, Lori Hansen said, "but that's ok with me. Because I know he will survive. A MOTHER JUST KNOWS!"

Doctors have told the Hansens their son's recovery "will not be measured in days or weeks, but rather many months and years," Lori Hansen wrote. They have been told he will be forced to enroll for disability through Social Security, and because he had less than a year of full-time employment at an entry-level salary, the disability payments will be small.

Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department, said Hansen has a combination of health insurance benefits. But — as is the case for most people — they will not cover everything.

"Even though the accident occurred while off duty, his health insurance benefits through work still cover him for his medical treatment (depending on copayments, deductibles, and maximum coverages)," Stocco said. "However, he is not entitled to workers compensation benefits because he was not on duty at the time of the incident."

"To be very clear, as long as he is an employee of Toms River he will not lose any benefits and will still be covered, even if he is not currently working due to the injuries," Stocco said. "He is still an employee and a police officer. If his injuries prevent him from maintaining his employment as a police officer at some point in the future then he would no longer have the benefits that an active officer maintains. He is now out on sick leave while he recuperates."

Brett Hansen's recovery is not the only challenge the family is facing: Lori Hansen is battling Stage 4 cancer, she said.

"My son and I are now battling together," she said, noting she still has many chemotherapy sessions to go."

"WE will survive TOGETHER!" Lori Hansen wrote.

The GoFundme was shared by the Toms River Police Benevolent Association Facebook page, with the note:

"Brett is a great kid and he needs your support," the post said. "Please consider donating to his battle. You can also donate to the Brett Hansen Fund established by the Toms River PBA non-profit Civic Association. The Brett Hansen Fund c/o Toms River PBA, PO Box 5011, Toms River, NJ 08754."

Brett Hansen is expected to undergo a number of surgeries on his road to recovery, Toms River police said.

"I cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support that has already been shown for Brett and our family," Lori Hansen wrote. "Thank you so much in advance for any financial assistance you can provide so that we can get him the best of the best treatments available."

Photo and graphic via Toms River Police Department