For years, the Vlog Squad had everyone hooked with their viral pranks and larger-than-life energy, but then came the Jeff Wittek accident with a stunt gone so wrong that it left one of their own scarred for life.
Jeff Wittek and David Dobrik were once the iconic duo of YouTube, famous for their wild antics and hilarious vlogs. Jeff would often take on the role of the daring stuntman with an edgy humor in David’s videos.
But in the blink of an eye, things went south, leaving scars that time hasn’t fully healed.
In June 2020, during an adventure in Utah, the crew came up with an idea to use an excavator in a shallow lake to swing members around on a rope. The plan was to create a viral and dramatic stunt with David taking control of the excavator and members holding on to the rope.
It was all fun and games until Jeff was the one swinging and spinning at an increased speed.
During the stunt, David pushed beyond the safety limits, and Jeff flung around violently before stopping the machine. The sudden halt caused Jeff to crash face-first into the excavator before diving into the water unconscious.
Jeff Wittek’s excavator accident video #jeffwittek #vlogsquad #DavidDobrik #frenemies pic.twitter.com/CyqXnCnmGG
— gem (@gigi00624445) April 21, 2021
The aftermath of the accident was nothing short of a nightmare for Jeff Wittek, as he had sustained multiple injuries. The accident left Jeff Wittek with a skull fractured in nine places, a shattered left eye socket, a broken hip and foot with torn ligaments, and a detached retina with permanent double vision.
By April 2021, Jeff had undergone nine surgeries, and it was a painful reminder of the day that changed his life.
Each procedure was a nightmare, as metal plates were inserted into his skull, and his eye had to be meticulously reconstructed. The accident continued to cast a shadow over his life as it affected his mental health after the initial trauma.
As recently as December 2024, Jeff Wittek underwent yet another five-hour-long surgery to address the lingering issues from the accident.
He shared his experience on Instagram about the procedure that involved removing metal plates from his face and repositioning his eye to address persistent double vision.
Is David ignoring the Jeff Wittek accident and making a comeback with no accountability?
The recent surge in searches for the accident can be linked to David Dobrik’s dramatic return to YouTube. After a two-year hiatus, David made a grand comeback with a new vlog that showcased his body transformation.
Fans and critics couldn’t hold back their reactions as he announced the revival of his VIEWS podcast.
In the vlog, David details his year-long fitness journey and gives credit to his best friend and fitness expert, Ilya Fedorovich, for the transformation. The video also features a segment where MrBeast is rewarding Ilya Fedorovich with a new car for his support.
new year, new me, new vloghttps://t.co/I29bojUyj1 pic.twitter.com/VhPUJFVsKQ
— DAVID DOBRIK (@DavidDobrik) January 7, 2025
However, what caught the netizen’s attention wasn’t just the transformation but also his failure to apologize and acknowledge Jeff’s accident. This didn’t sit well with the viewers, and they quickly took to social media to express their outrage.
Furthermore, it caused a spike in online queries about the current status of the lawsuit against David.
Jeff had filed a lawsuit alleging that David’s reckless operation of the excavator during the stunt caused his injuries. Jeff is seeking $10 million in damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
David Dobrik shares his gym progress but still remains silent on topics such as almost killing his friend Jeff Wittek for a vlog and being friends with sex offenders https://t.co/laYes5MyWG
— Kate (@tinaturnacorner) January 8, 2025
Despite the lawsuit, David Dobrik is yet to pay any compensation, which only fuels the public’s anger. Moreover, the recent surgery cost Jeff $90,000 in medical bills, which came out of his own pocket.
The status of the lawsuit, followed by David’s failure to address the accident in the vlog, has sparked a public backlash.
Fans are calling out David for his lack of accountability and his unchanged demeanor even after the accident. However, Jeff has expressed his feelings of betrayal and has been vocal about the impact the accident had on his life.
In the past, David has expressed regret over the incident, referring to it as the worst thing that has ever happened to him. However, he hasn’t taken any necessary steps to reconcile with Jeff or take accountability for his actions.
Additional Information
- In 2021, Jeff Wittek won the Streamy Awards for his documentary ‘Don’t Try This at Home.’ The award honored his powerful and unfiltered storytelling about the accident and its aftermath.
- Jeff Wittek was arrested at the age of 21 for drug possession and dealing.
- In 2024, Jeff Wittek starred in the third season of The Bach3lor in hopes of finding true love.
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