Fitness community memorializes chef, health enthusiast with special workout
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indianapolis fitness community is rallying around the family of a chef and health enthusiast who died unexpectedly this month.
For Giving Tuesday, gyms across the city raised money for Artie Stevens’ family. They were also doing a special workout: the first workout Artie did at downtown’s NapTown Fitness.
Artie sold healthy meals to CrossFit gyms across the city through his business Artie’s Paleo OnTheGo. Artie’s wife will take over his three food-related businesses.
“You guys are all here to celebrate an awesome guy,” coach Hudson Wikoff said the to the noon class.
Wikoff said he just met Artie a few years ago but that was more than enough time to make an impression.
“Sorry, it gets a little tough talking about,” Wikoff said, clearing his throat. “He was the type of individual that stood out in the room. If you needed help with something, he’d be there to help you out.”
Artie’s CrossFit friends say the cause of death is unknown but he was found on the floor of his business without a pulse. His obituary said his heart stopped working.
He left behind a wife, a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old. Gyms across the city were taking donations for a trust – money the kids will get when they turn 21. The public is encouraged to donate either online or in person at NapTown Fitness.
NapTown Fitness owner Peter Brasovan said he was “shaken to the bone” when he heard Artie died. According to Brasovan, Artie sold about 700 paleo meals a week always with a smile on his face.
“Not that he was loud or boisterous, but his presence was felt in everywhere he was,” Brasovan said. “He just had a genuine heart and he cared for everybody.”
Gym members put in a little extra fight in their workouts Tuesday because Artie had plenty of fight in him. His friends said he rebuilt his life after recovering from a drug addiction years ago.
“Anyone here know Artie Stevens?” Wikoff asked the noon class.
Nearly every hand went in the air.