I'm sorry that happened to you! I hope you can at least recover some of the phone's costs....I don't know much about iPhones but don't they have a tracking function? Or can you remotely install one from the app store? I hope you can get it back even if it's going to take a while
Such a shame to have you experience of meeting Ayu marred by such a sad event
But thank you for posting a warning for the rest of those hoping to go!