Tragedy in tanning booth: Mystery surrounds fitness club death
A 39-year-old man named Derek Sink was found dead in a Planet Fitness tanning salon in Indianapolis. His mother, Karen Wetzel, discusses her son's final days and tries to understand the circumstances of the tragedy.
8:44 AM EST, November 14, 2024
According to "People" magazine, Derek Sink's body was discovered on Monday, November 11, in the Planet Fitness tanning salon on Hardegan Street. He had entered the tanning booth on Friday, November 8, and hadn't been in contact since then.
On that day, Derek went to the club to purchase a membership. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, Heather, and her daughter, Ava, who visited a nearby TJMaxx store in the meantime.
After returning to Planet Fitness, they could not find him. His car was still in the parking lot but had been moved over by one space. Worried, they began searching the area but to no avail.
After unsuccessful attempts to find Derek, they reported his disappearance to the police on Sunday, November 10. On Monday, Derek's probation officer visited Planet Fitness and found his body in the tanning booth.
This is not easy. We are all shattered, says Wetzel in an interview with "People." I'm trying to hold on until the funeral, and then I'll let myself break down.
Wetzel reveals that her son struggled with drug addiction and suspects fentanyl might be detected in his body. Despite his problems, he was a man of value and dignity, she recalls.
The thoughtful mother describes Derek as "the kindest person" with "the gentlest heart." Sink was trying to change his life by working in a home for people with mental or physical issues. He was the father of a 20-year-old son.
The tragic death of Sink. Police investigation
Indianapolis police are investigating Sink's death. Officers are puzzled as to how he managed to stay in the tanning booth for three days without anyone noticing.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death, a police spokesperson said.
Planet Fitness expressed regret over the death of its client. We were deeply saddened by the death of one of our members, and the franchise owner is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation, said McCall Gosselin, Corporate Director at Planet Fitness.
