Top surfer and his wife in mangled car crash in California

Brazilian freesurfer Victor Bernardo and his wife, Johnni Bufkin Bernardo, are lucky to be alive after suffering serious injuries in a car crash “that easily could have been fatal.”

The wreck happened in Southern California on August 16, according to a post from surfing filmmaker Logan Dulien, though it’s unclear exactly where it took place.

“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,” Dulien posted.

“Please keep @victorbernard0 and his wife @jbuff9 in your prayers,” Dulien added. “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.”

Bernardo, 28, is a Brazilian surfer who has built his reputation largely outside the traditional competitive circuit, becoming known as a standout freesurfer, reported The Inertia.

Both Bernardo and Bufkin have remained in the intensive care unit, and have undergone multiple emergency surgeries to stabilize their conditions. Neither has been given a release date from the hospital, according to a fundraiser set up for the couple.

The fundraiser was launched to help cover the couple’s medical bills and everyday expenses while they are unable to work, including rent, car payments, food and care for their cat.

“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.

Specific details about how and where the crash occurred have not been released. Organizers said those details would remain private out of respect for the couple.

Both Bernardo and his wife are expected to remain out of work for at least six months to a year, organizers said.

They’re also expected to undergo additional surgeries in the coming months, and will likely require extensive medical procedures, medication and rehabilitation.

“Their family, friends, and the surf community have all come together to care for them and none of it has gone unnoticed,” organizers said. “We hope to remove as much of the financial burden as possible as they navigate this life-changing journey to recovery.”

Just last month, Bernardo was announced as one of the surfers invited to compete in the 2026 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy.

At the time, Bernardo said he was particularly excited about bringing his mother along for her first international trip.

“What I’m most excited about is bringing my mum on her first international trip, enjoying our time together and having fun,” he said, according to The Inertia.

For now, however, Bernardo and his wife remain focused on recovering from injuries that their supporters say could have taken their lives.

“We know that they will get through this stronger than ever,” the fundraiser organizers wrote. “Thank you all for the love and support for these two absolutely amazing humans.”