Pro surfer Victor Bernardo and his wife, Johnni Bufkin Bernardo, are slowly on the mend after both were admitted to the ICU following a terrifying car crash.
Victor, 29, and Johnni were involved in a serious vehicle accident in Southern California on August 17, according to a Go Fund Me page set up in their honor.
The Brazilian surfer was airlifted by helicopter after the crash, while Johnni was transported by ambulance to a local trauma center.
“The couple has been in the ICU since then, both requiring multiple emergency surgeries to stabilize their condition,” the organizer wrote, updating fans on the pair’s individual conditions.
Surfing filmmaker Logan Dulien also shared details of the surfer and his wife’s health scare via Instagram, noting that the accident “easily could have been fatal but by the grace of god are still with us.”
“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,” Dulien continued on August 19, sharing videos of Victor surfing and photos of him with his wife over the years. “For now just put out positive thoughts, love, prayers and healing energy for them both 🙏.”
According to the Go Fund Me, created earlier this week, the details of Victor and Johnni’s accident “will remain confidential to respect their privacy at this time.”
However, a photo from the crash was shared on the page. In the picture, a car was completely smashed, the hood pushed back and the front tires nearly destroyed.
The fundraiser was started, in part, because Victor and Johnni’s accident will keep them out of work “for an unknown amount of time, with the absolute earliest return date being roughly six months to a year out.”
Fans and friends can contribute any amount of money to help ease the “financial burden” that comes with their recovery, and assist with “covering their living expenses” like rent, car payments, medical procedures and meals.
“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!” the Go Fund Me page read.
While Victor is still in the hospital, he revealed via his Instagram Story on Wednesday, August 26, that his wife was “discharged” that day.
“Thank you everyone for all the prayers, love and support,” he captioned a photo of him and Johnni holding hands at the hospital. “It means the world to us.”
Johnni, who surfs and designs custom bikinis under the SORRIA brand, also gave an update on Wednesday, sharing a photo via her Instagram Story of a friend greeting her at her door.
“Home,” she captioned the snap, which showed her pal holding a “Get Well Soon” balloon.
Johnni reposted the Go Fund Me page for her and Victor and gushed over the support they’ve gotten from the greater surf community since the accident.
“Guys, all of the donations and love. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude,” she wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday, August 27. “I love you all so freaking much!!!”
At the time of this publication, the pair’s Go Fund Me page raised over $79,000 of its $500,000 fundraising goal.
