A tragic and bizarre incident has shocked Indianapolis. Derek E. Sink, a 39-year-old man, was found dead inside a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym on November 12, three days after being reported missing. Sink, who had been struggling with addiction issues, had gone missing after visiting the gym on November 8. His family reported him missing on November 10, and authorities tracked his movements through an ankle monitor, revealing that he had been at the gym the entire time.
The discovery of his body occurred after gym members began noticing a foul odor emanating from the tanning bed area. Upon investigation, Sink’s body was found inside an unused tanning bed, and a needle was discovered nearby. The cause of his death remains under investigation, though authorities are considering the possibility that his struggles with addiction may have played a role.
One gym member, Elizabeth Len, expressed disbelief over the situation, questioning how a tanning bed could go unnoticed for three days. The incident has raised questions about the gym’s safety protocols, particularly around checking equipment like tanning beds. In response, Planet Fitness issued a statement expressing their sadness over the event, reaffirming their commitment to member safety, and stating they are cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.
Sink’s family is calling for stricter safety measures at the gym, suggesting that a nightly checklist to ensure all equipment, including tanning beds, is properly checked would prevent future tragedies like this one. The case continues to unfold, leaving many questioning how such a tragedy could go undetected for days.
