Top surfer Victor Bernardo and his wife, Johnni Bufkin Bernardo, are in intensive care but lucky to be alive after a terrifying near-fatal car crash.
The Brazilian was involved in a wreck that left their car mangled in South California on August 16.
Surfing filmmaker Logan Dulien shared details of their plight and revealed Bernardo had to be airlifted to hospital.
Asking for prayers for both, Dulian said: ‘On Sunday night they were in a very serious car accident that easily could have been fatal but by the grace of god are still with us.
‘Victor was airlifted to the hospital and his wife Johnni was taken in by ambulance. They are currently both still in the hospital preparing Victor for surgery and doing there best to improve his wife’s condition.
‘It’s going to be a very long and expensive road to recovery but I’m confident the surf community will rally together to support and uplift them on the challenging journey ahead. For now just put out positive thoughts , love , prayers and healing energy for them both.’
Victor Bernardo and his wife, Johnni Bufkin, were involved in a horrific crash in California
The mangled remains of their car after a wreck that ‘could easily have been fatal’
Bernardo and his wife remain in intensive care with a GoFundMe raising funds to support them
The pair have since undergone multiple emergency surgeries and remain in intensive care, according to a fundraiser set up to support them.
The GoFundMe page is looking to help cover their medical bills and everyday payments including rent, car payments, food and care for their pet cat while they are unable to work.
Organizers of the fundraiser said they are both expected to be unable to work for at least six months to a year.
They are expected to face additional surgeries in the months ahead as well as extensive medical procedures, rehabilitation and medication.
At the time of writing, over $77,000 of a $500,000 target has been raised, including a $10,000 contribution from an anonymous donor.
‘We are extremely grateful that they are alive and in good hands currently, as the accident could very well have been fatal,’ a statement posted on the fundraiser said.
‘Their family, friends, and the surf community have all come together to care for them and none of it has gone unnoticed.
‘We hope to remove as much of the financial burden as possible as they navigate this life-changing journey to recovery.
‘We know that they will get through this stronger than ever. Thank you all for the love and support for these two absolutely amazing humans.’
Victor Bernardo has carved out a reputation as a top freesurfer over the years
The couple are both still in hospital and recovering from serious injuries after the crash
Bernardo was due to compete in the Maldives in a prestigious competition next month
While a picture showed the mangled wreckage of the car they were traveling in, specific details of how and where the crash occurred have not been made public.
Bernardo has built his surfing reputation outside traditional competitions, according to The Intertia, becoming a standout freesurfer in the process.
He was announced as competing in September’s 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy just last month and was excited to bring his mom to see him take part.
‘What I’m most excited about is bringing my mum on her first international trip, enjoying our time together and having fun,’ he said, per The Inertia.
