INDIANAPOLIS -- It's hard to imagine: A man's girlfriend dies from cancer, and a day later, stationary bikes he needs for his business are stolen.
Tom Hanley's girlfriend Denver Hutt – a prominent figure in the Indianapolis non-profit scene – died recently following a long battle with cancer.
In addition to dealing with that, Hanley had to shut down his business, Nine12 Sports, Tuesday after $3,000-worth of stationary bikes, TVs and other electronic equipment was stolen.
"You didn't just steal a part of my dream and passion, you stole an opportunity for these kids to ride our bikes tomorrow," Hanley posted on his Facebook page.
The theft came just days after Hutt's death.
"The best way for me to forge forward and carry on is to do so with the vigor and passion that she carried," he said. "She battled ovarian cancer for three years, and there's not a day that it slowed her down."
Hutt founded the Speak Easy in Broad Ripple as a place for technology entrepreneurs to work, collaborate and grow.
In her last blog, when she knew the end was near, Hutt wrote: "Smile at strangers, be kind, judge less and hold the door."
With Hanley dealing with the stolen at his business, one of Hutt's friends theorized what she might say about the situation.
"She was always optimistic. Always upbeat to see the best in every situation and demanded everyone around her did as well," said Ryan Hunley. "I suppose she would kick Tom in the ass and tell him to get going."
Hanley hopes to have replacement bikes by the end of the week. He is insured, but isn't sure yet if the deductible is larger than the theft.
A celebration of Hutt's life will be held Thursday at the Speak Easy beginning at 5 p.m.
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