Annie Walton Doyle
A man who was missing for three days has been found dead inside the tanning bed of a Planet Fitness gym.
Indianapolis authorities are currently investigating the death of Derek Sink, a 39-year-old man who was discovered deceased in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym on Hardegan Street on Monday, November 11.
The unusual circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, as Sink entered the tanning bed on Friday, November 8, but his body was only discovered three days later.
Sink’s family had reported him missing on Sunday after he failed to return home, prompting a police investigation that ultimately led to his discovery.
Sink, who had a history of substance abuse issues, was found with a needle in the room, according to statements his family made to NBC affiliate WTHR.
His family’s concerns were heightened because Sink was wearing an ankle monitor as part of a recent court-ordered home detention related to drug charges.
Records from the Marion County Superior Court indicate that he was serving a sentence for possession of a controlled substance and a narcotic drug.
The home detention included routine drug testing, and his sentence had commenced in May.
Elizabeth Len, a gym member who was present on the morning of November 11, reported an unusual odor near the tanning rooms, which she and others noticed before Sink’s body was found.
“The tanning bed has a door, I believe, but still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?” she questioned in an interview with WTHR.
An IMPD spokesperson confirmed to People that the investigation is ongoing, and that the coroner’s office is responsible for identifying the precise factors that contributed to Sink’s death.
Planet Fitness responded to the tragedy with a statement from McCall Gosselin, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, saying: “We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members, and the franchise owner is working with the local authorities in their investigation.”
Gosselin emphasized the gym’s commitment to member safety, adding: “At Planet Fitness, we have robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols.”
The timeline of events has left the community and Sink’s family grappling with unanswered questions, particularly regarding how Sink’s presence in the tanning bed went unnoticed for such an extended period.
Family members told WTHR that Sink entered the gym on Friday but did not return home, which led to their filing of a missing persons report on Sunday.
The ankle monitor’s tracking data helped authorities determine that Sink had never exited the gym.
As news of Sink’s death spread, it prompted discussions about the safety and monitoring standards within gyms, especially in facilities that operate 24 hours.
A sign was placed on the door of the Planet Fitness location on November 11, informing members that tanning services were temporarily unavailable, according to a report from WPTA.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office has not yet released an official cause of death for Sink, leaving the case open and prompting further investigation by local authorities.
With ongoing scrutiny, authorities are expected to examine both the immediate circumstances of Sink’s death and the operational protocols at Planet Fitness to understand how this tragedy occurred.
This tragedy has drawn attention both locally and nationally, as questions linger about gym safety standards, the timeliness of monitoring facilities, and the complexities of managing individuals struggling with substance issues.
Sink’s family continues to seek answers, hoping that the investigation will bring clarity and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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