Custom wheelchair hoist stolen from celebrity trainer who is paraplegic

A specially-designed wheelchair hoist belonging to a man who is paraplegic was stolen from an underground parking garage at an apartment building in Ladner earlier this week.

The hoist belongs to Mike Hamill, a Tsawwassen gym owner and celebrity trainer, who has worked with the likes of Clint Eastwood. Hamill was involved in a boating accident three years ago that broke his back in three different places.

The custom-made hoist was designed as a tool to assist Hamill in getting both himself and his wheelchair onto boats. It was stolen during the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 15.

Mike Hamill (pictured front, centre)/Andrea Christian

Andrea Christian, a friend of Hamill’s, told Daily Hive the hoist is a unique medical device that was specially designed and manufactured specifically for Hamill by a friend who designs medical equipment.

The custom wheelchair hoist/Andrea Christian

According to strata security footage, access was gained to the parking garage by using a stolen fob.

Two individuals were seen on the footage first looking around the parking garage on foot, then returning shortly after in a pick-up truck.

Andrea Christian

The photo shows the custom-designed lift belonging to Hamill in the back of the truck, which appears to be a green Ford F150 XTR.

There is now a GoFundMe to raise funds for a new hoist for Hammill.

Anyone who sees either the truck or the stolen hoist is asked to contact the Delta Police at 604-946-4411.