On Sunday, May 4th, 2025, our beloved brother and longtime VW enthusiast, Jamie Benn, was the victim of a horrific attack and attempted murder at the VW Spring Picnic at Featherly Park in Yorba Linda.

While enjoying a day with fellow car lovers, Jamie was targeted and hit by a speeding truck, and then shot two times, along with his friend, Leon Zoltzman, who was with Jamie talking at the moment of the attack and attempted murder. The attacker hit both men with his truck causing severe injuries and then got out of his truck, and began shooting at both men, striking each of them multiple times. The attacker also shot several rounds at other bi-standers too, and fortunately missed, before taking his weapon to himself in suicide.

Jamie had known the attacker for over 30 years, and two years prior to this attack, Jamie had severed all communication with the perpetrator, because of mental health issues and threats.

Jamie suffered full body extensive trauma and injuries, four broken ribs, two gunshot wounds to his right leg and suffered from a heart attack as a result from the attack. Thanks to the quick thinking of a friend who applied a makeshift tourniquet, Jamie survived long enough to reach emergency care. Upon hospital arrival, his heart briefly stopped, and he required an emergency blood transfusion before undergoing life-saving surgery.

We are incredibly grateful that Jamie is still with us. However, his injuries are severe. He currently has no feeling in his right foot and faces additional surgeries, a long hospital stay, and a long and uncertain path to recovery.

The act of this violence has shaken our family and community to the core. We will all do our best to help Jamie and Debi through this tragedy, but we cannot do it alone. Jamie is a kind and gentle soul, who cares deeply about his friends and family.

Jamie is more than a VW fanatic; he’s a generous soul who’s always the first to lend a hand. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Debi, and the main provider for their family, including their three beloved Pomeranians.

This tragic event has turned their lives upside down, creating an overwhelming emotional and financial strain.

We humbly ask for your help. Our goal is to raise $75,000 to support Jamie’s recovery and help his family through this unimaginable time.

Anything you can give, no matter the size, will make a difference in Jamie's ongoing healing. Please consider sharing this fundraiser with others who may be inclined to help.

Your support goes a long way and means the world to us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, prayers, and support.