Authorities are investigating the death of 39-year-old Derek Sink, whose body was discovered in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym in Indianapolis, Indiana on the city’s south side. Sink was last seen entering the facility on Friday, November 8, 2024, and was found dead on Monday, November 11.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers responded to a report of a body found at the Planet Fitness located on Hardegan Street around 8:30 a.m. on November 11. The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as Sink but has not yet determined the cause or manner of death.
According to Sink’s mother, Karen Wetzel, her son visited Planet Fitness to get a membership on Friday, accompanied by his girlfriend Heather and her daughter. While Heather and her daughter shopped at TJMaxx, they later returned to find Sink missing. His car remained in the parking lot but had shifted one space over. After searching the gym and nearby strip mall unsuccessfully, they returned home.
Family members reported Sink missing on Sunday, November 10, after not hearing from him since Friday. They informed authorities that he had a history of drug use and was wearing an ankle monitor, which indicated he had not left the gym premises.
On Monday morning, a woman at Planet Fitness told the local media that she and other gym members noticed an unpleasant odor in the building, which became more intense near the tanning rooms. Elizabeth Len expressed concern about the tanning beds remaining shut for up to three days, questioning why this hadn’t raised the alarm sooner and how such a situation could occur.
A needle was reportedly found in the room with Sink, suggesting possible drug involvement. Police are analyzing the evidence to determine if Sink used it.
Planet Fitness expressed sorrow over the incident: “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.” The company emphasized that it has “robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority.”
The gym remained open while Sink was missing, raising concerns about the facility’s monitoring and maintenance practices.
The investigation into Sink’s death is ongoing, with authorities awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause. No foul play is suspected at this time.
Sink was the father of a 20-year-old son. According to Wetzel, her “beautiful” son worked at a halfway house to help others living with mental or physical issues.
Sink’s family has called for stricter cleaning and monitoring policies at gyms to prevent similar incidents in the future. They remember him as a loving person who faced personal challenges.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office will release further information once the investigation is complete.
