Victor Bernardo and wife Johnni crash, ICU fight after midnight wreck

**Surfer Victor Bernardo and Wife Johnni Admit to ICU After Southern California Car Crash**

The pair of professional surfers was airlifted to an intensive care unit in Southern California on August 17 after a serious car collision. Victor Bernardo, 29, and his wife Johnni Bufkin Bernardo were hospitalized for multiple emergency surgeries following the crash.

Their condition is currently being monitored in the ICU, with recovery expected to be long and costly.

A Go Fund Me page set up in their honor details that the couple was involved in a “terrifying car crash” on that day. The page notes that the accident will keep them out of work for an unknown amount of time, with the earliest return date being roughly six months to a year.

Fans and friends are encouraged to donate to help cover medical bills, living expenses, and other costs associated with their recovery.

Logan Dulien, a surfing filmmaker who has worked closely with Victor, posted on Instagram on August 19 that the accident “easily could have been fatal but by the grace of god are still with us.” He added that the road to recovery would be expensive and that the surf community would rally behind the couple.

Dulien shared videos of Victor surfing and photos of them together over the years, asking followers to send positive thoughts, love, prayers, and healing energy.

## Background & Context

Victor Bernardo is a Brazilian professional surfer who has built a reputation in the surf world. His wife, Johnni Bufkin Bernardo, also competes as a surfer and runs the SORRIA brand, designing custom bikinis. The couple suffered a serious vehicle accident in Southern California on August 17.

After the collision, Victor was transported by helicopter to an intensive care unit, while Johnni was taken by ambulance to a local trauma center.

The Go Fund Me page that was created earlier in the week states that the details of the crash “will remain confidential to respect their privacy at this time.” However, a photo posted on the page shows a car completely smashed, with its hood pushed back and front tires nearly destroyed.

The fundraiser was launched because the couple’s accident will keep them from working for an extended period, potentially six months to a year or more.

## What Happens Next

The Go Fund Me campaign has raised more than $79,000 toward its $500,000 goal. Donations are intended to ease the financial burden of medical procedures, living expenses such as rent and car payments, and ongoing recovery costs.

The page encourages supporters to contribute any amount to help Victor and Johnni navigate the long-term healing process.

Victor posted an Instagram Story on Wednesday, August 26, announcing that his wife had been discharged from the hospital that day. He captioned a photo of them holding hands with “Thank you everyone for all the prayers, love and support.

It means the world to us.” Meanwhile, Johnni shared a story on the same day featuring a friend greeting her at the door with a “Get Well Soon” balloon. On Thursday, August 27, she reposted the Go Fund Me page and expressed deep gratitude: “Guys, all of the donations and love. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude.

I love you all so freaking much!!!”

## Closing

Victor Bernardo and Johnni Bufkin Bernardo remain in the care of medical professionals as they recover from a severe car accident that left both in intensive care. The surfing community has rallied behind them, with fundraising efforts already exceeding $79,000.

Supporters are encouraged to continue offering prayers, positive energy, and financial assistance as the couple embarks on a challenging but hopeful journey toward recovery.