A man’s body lay undiscovered for three days in a Planet Fitness tanning bed, sparking questions about gym safety protocols.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN
– An unsettling discovery was made Monday morning at a Planet Fitness in
Indianapolis, Indiana
, where a man’s body was found in a tanning bed. Authorities identified the deceased as 39-year-old Derek Sink, whose disappearance had been reported by family over the weekend. The case has raised questions over gym protocols and how his absence went unnoticed for days.
Family Reported Sink Missing Days Before His Discovery
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers arrived shortly before 8:30 a.m. at the Planet Fitness located at 8707 Hardegen Street in response to a report of a body found in a tanning bed. The Marion County Coroner’s Office later identified the man as Derek Sink, but the exact cause and manner of his death remain under investigation.
Sink’s family had last spoken with him on Friday and officially filed a missing person’s report on Sunday when they grew concerned. Sink’s aunt told WTHR13 that Sink had visited the gym on Friday but wasn’t found until three days later, even though he was wearing an ankle monitor.
Drug Use and Potential Contributing Factors
Sink’s family revealed that he had struggled with drug use and that a needle was found in the room where his body was discovered. Authorities have not confirmed the role, if any, drugs may have played in his death, but his family’s statement has led to speculation about whether substance use could be a contributing factor in this case.
Concerns Raised by Gym Member and Planet Fitness’s Response
The delay in finding Sink’s body left some gym members disturbed. Elizabeth Len, a Planet Fitness member present Monday morning, noted that there was a noticeable foul odor in the gym before police arrived. She expressed surprise that the tanning bed could remain closed for three days without anyone raising concerns. “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?” Len told WTHR13.
Planet Fitness’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, McCall Gosselin, expressed the company’s condolences in a statement: “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 importance of “robust operational brand protocols” and said that Planet Fitness is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its members.
Police Investigation Continues
The IMPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Derek Sink’s death. Key questions remain, including how his body went undetected over the weekend and whether gym policies around safety checks and routine maintenance may need to be reviewed. The incident has left family and community members seeking answers about how such a situation could occur in a public facility.
While Planet Fitness has pledged cooperation with authorities, the tragedy highlights the importance of vigilance in shared spaces.
This tragedy has left family and community members searching for peace and understanding in a time of deep sadness. Derek Sink’s loved ones mourn his loss, hoping for answers and closure in the days ahead. As they walk through this season of grief, may they find comfort in the promise,
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
(Matthew 5:4).
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