[sillysaurusx]

I went through a similar loss ($11k in Mt Gox). At the time, it felt like I'd lost everything.

It took years for me to really get over it. I'd like to spare your nephew from that, if possible.

The next week is going to be really rough for them. Just be there, and reassure them that things are going to turn out fine. Even if it seems like a massive deal right now -- possibly the biggest problem they've ever run into -- it's an illusion.

The fact is, determining how the money was stolen won't get the money back, just like determining why Mt Gox collapsed didn't get mine back. But I could've been much happier if I'd just accepted it and moved on.

In their case, this theft might be easier to stomach than an exchange collapse, because at least they won't live with uncertainty about whether the money is coming back. It's gone.

Try to remind them that as much as it sucks, they still have their health and their sense of humor. Both are priceless.

(Or perhaps just listen to them. Sometimes saying anything isn't really necessary.)