Bike stolen from Worthing dad who lost both sons in Grand Canyon crash - 'This was the last bike my children rode'
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The bicycle with ‘huge sentimental value’ now belongs to their father, Reverend David Hill.
“I am devastated it has been stolen,” he said.
The Scott Scale hardtail carbon bike has distinctive white and yellow frame, silver pedals and a white saddle.
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Hide AdIt was taken on Tuesday, July 19, from outside Worthing Hospital – where Reverend Hill works as the chaplain.
The bike was used by his two sons before they tragically died in a helicopter crash in the Grand Canyon in 2018.
Reverend Hill left the bike secure on Lyndhurst Road around 8.15am but, when he returned around 5.05pm that day, it was gone.
He said: “This was the last bike my grown-up children rode before they went to America, where they were killed in the Grand Canyon.
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“I am hoping the monetary value of the bike will be covered by insurance, but there is nothing that can replace the fact that this was a bike with huge sentimental value.
“The bike itself is worth around £2,000 but the emotional value is absolutely priceless."
Speaking to SussexWorld, Reverend Hill said the bike was an ‘attachment’ to his sons.
"But the attachment is so much deeper and very emotional,” he added.
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“I live with sadness. My wife and I live with the great loss of our sons.
"It is about my continuing bearing of that grief and loss.
“I’m very sad the bike has gone, as it was a link to them, but that’s life.”
Officers investigating the theft have carried out a number of enquiries to try and recover the bike, ‘but to no avail’.
A police spokesperson said: “They are now hoping that releasing the CCTV footage (above) could lead to identification of the suspect shown using an unknown implement to break the lock and make off from the scene on the bike.
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Hide Ad“They are also appealing for anyone who may see the bicycle, either in the area or being offered for sale, to get in touch so it can be returned to its rightful owner.”