HENDERSON (KTNV) — A couple moving to Henderson to retire had a U-Haul with $20K in vintage guitars and family heirlooms stolen from outside of a hotel.
Bill and Debra Yantz embarked on a new chapter in Henderson, where they planned to start retirement.
The couple moved from Nashville to Nevada to be closer to their kids and grand kids in Southern California.
"We picked the Las Vegas area, specifically Henderson, because we are fairly close, no state income tax, and low crime," said Bill.
That dream has turned into a moving nightmare for the couple. After parking their U-Haul in the back parking lot of a Hilton Hotel on Warm Springs Road, they say the truck was stolen with all of their belongings inside.
"Could never be worse," said Debra. "It comes in waves, my head is telling me it's not real. When someone starts talking to me I think- it is real. Everything I've ever owned is gone."
One 20-foot truck held family heirlooms, loved ones ashes, furniture, legal documents, and a collection of vintage guitars.
"My father played it and taught me how to play," Bill added.
Adding insult to injury, family members say Debra and Bill were involved in a crash while they were out looking for their U-Haul- a car slammed into them at a red light. They were taken to the hospital with severe whiplash.
With 50 years worth of belongings lost, Bill and Debra are holding on to the idea that their luck could turn around.
"I have to hold out hope that I'm going to put my hands on something. I have to," said Debra.
Henderson Police say another U-Haul was stolen that same night. That truck has since been recovered.
Debra and Bill's family set up a GoFundMe page to help get them back on their feet.
