Rest in Peace, Benjamin Scott Murphy

Famously known as Ben Cheikhi

November 28, 1977 – February 12, 2026

On the evening of February 12th, our community lost someone unbelievably special. Ben was killed while riding his bicycle through a crosswalk at Ortega and Date Palm in Cathedral City. A driver ran a red light. Ben was 48 years old.

Everyone who knew Ben knew he was the kind of person who lit up a room just by walking into it. A father, son, brother, and friend who had a gift for connection—making people laugh, making them feel seen, bringing them together. He was well known and well loved, and the hole his death leaves is enormous.

Ben leaves behind four children. Three are under 13. One is bedridden with cerebral palsy and requires full-time care. Another is on the autism spectrum and needs ongoing support and stability. Ben’s mother has been caring for all of her grandchildren full-time. She is doing everything she can, but the emotional and financial weight is overwhelming. State assistance is limited and does not fully cover the children's daily and medical needs.

We have raised money to cover funeral and burial costs: a Celebration of Life that honors who Ben was—a bright light in this world. Now, all additional funds will go directly to supporting his children during this devastating time.

If you knew Ben, you know he'd do anything for the people he loved. Now it's our turn to show up for his family.

This GoFundMe had been created to help cover funeral costs and the expenses of hosting a Celebration of Life for Ben. Going forward, any and all additional funds will go toward helping support his children during this incredibly difficult transition and the years to come

Written by Bunny Korman & Ashley Pena