The Duesterhaus family is going through an unimaginably difficult time. On Saturday, October 11, 22-year-old Benet was in an accident while doing what he loves – riding and jumping RZRs. After a tough landing, his vehicle rolled end over end multiple times. Though Benet never lost consciousness, he instantly knew something was wrong – he had lost all feeling in his arms, legs, and body.

Benet was transported by ambulance from the riding site in Mears, Michigan, to Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. Thankfully, his brother Brenner was with him and able to stay by his side during the transport. When they arrived, Benet underwent emergency surgery for a severe spinal cord injury at the C6 vertebra. Doctors were able to remove a bone fragment that was pressing on his spine and causing swelling.

On October 15, after days of uncertainty, Benet underwent an MRI to confirm the extent of his injury – news the family had been praying would be different. While the results were not what they had hoped for, the Duesterhaus family remains strong in their faith and optimism, trusting that God will guide Benet through his recovery.

Benet now faces a long and challenging road of recovery and rehabilitation. His family is working tirelessly to find a way to transport him from Michigan – seven hours from home – to a rehabilitation facility in Chicago that can provide the specialized care he needs. At this time, Benet is unable to move or feel anything below his chest, but he has some movement in his arms and limited movement in his hands.

This accident has placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on Benet’s loved ones. His mother, Krys, has been by his side at the hospital but will soon have to return to work. Back home, his father Jeff, brother Brenner, and the First Class Grass crew are keeping things running while carrying the weight of worry and prayer. The family is doing everything they can to support Benet and prepare for the long months ahead, all while managing their daily responsibilities and holding on to hope.

The emotional, physical, and financial weight of this season is heavy, and those of us who love Benet and his family want to do all we can to lift some of that burden – through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.

Funds raised here will go directly toward:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses

• Transportation costs to bring Benet closer to home

• Family travel and lodging while he is hospitalized far from loved ones

• Adaptive equipment to support his recovery

• Ongoing care and support as he begins his rehabilitation journey

Though this road is uncertain, our faith is unshaken. We believe in a God who heals, restores, and makes beauty from ashes. Benet feels your prayers and love surrounding him – each message, share, and donation is a reminder that he is not alone.

Please continue to lift Benet and the entire Duesterhaus family up in prayer. Pray for strength, for peace, and for a miracle. Whether you give, share, reach out or simply pray, know that you are part of this story – and that every act of love truly matters more than words can express.

Update - as of October 17, 2025

Benet has been accepted into the rehabilitation program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Illinois. This is great news and something the family has been working towards, as their program has been ranked number one in the country for many years.

Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital is working to get him out of the ICU and off a few medications before he’ll be ready to transfer. They are hopeful that Benet be on his way to Chicago sometime next week.