Current:Home > NewsMother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments -MoneySpot
Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:14:49
More has come to light about Derek Sink's death.
Three days after his body was found in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym in Indianapolis, his mother shared more insight into the harrowing incident.
Karen Wetzel believes that her son's toxicology report will come back with fentanyl in his system, she told People in an interview published Nov. 13. She emphasized that despite Sink's history with drug addiction (a syringe was found in the room with him, according to his family), he was "a human being with value and worth."
She recalled the 39-year-old as "the kindest person" with "the softest heart," per the outlet.
Karen explained that Sink—who was charged with possession of a narcotic drug and possession of a controlled substance last year, according to Marion County Superior Court records, per NBC News—had gone to sign up for a gym membership on Nov. 8 while his girlfriend Heather and her daughter were in a TJMaxx nearby.
The pair went to find Sink—who was wearing an ankle monitor as part of his plea agreement, along with drug testing—but went home after being unable to locate him. They reported him missing on Nov. 10 and his probation officer found his body the day after when she went to his last known location.
Although it took days to locate Sink's body, a local woman who was visiting the facility revealed that she noticed a putrid smell near the tanning beds after entering the building.
"The tanning bed has a door, I believe," Elizabeth Len told WTHR in an interview published Nov. 12. "But still, why are we not concerned that the tanning bed has been closed for three days, potentially?"
After Sink's body was discovered, Planet Fitness expressed their condolences and emphasized the dedication to safety in their facilities.
"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," McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness' chief corporate affairs officer, said in a Nov. 12 statement to E! News. "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."
(E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (18885)
Related
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- A German Climate Activist Won’t End His Hunger Strike, Even With the Risk of Death Looming
- Border mayors heading to DC for Tuesday’s immigration announcement
- Columbus Crew's golden opportunity crushed by Pachuca in CONCACAF Champions Cup final
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Swimmer Katie Ledecky on Chinese doping scandal and the Paris Olympics
- Maldives will ban Israelis from entering the country over the war in Gaza
- The Best Baby Sprinkle Gifts to Welcome the Newest Member of the Crew
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Gabby Douglas says this is 'not the end' of gymnastics story, thanks fans for support
Ranking
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Gabby Petito's Mom Forgives Brian Laundrie for Killing Her Daughter But Not His Evil Mother
- NFL diversity, equity, inclusion efforts are noble. But league now target of DEI backlash.
- Shoshana Bean opens up about aging in the entertainment industry and working with Alicia Keys
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Using Less of the Colorado River Takes a Willing Farmer and $45 million in Federal Funds
- Need a pharmacy? These states and neighborhoods have less access
- Seize These Dead Poets Society Secrets and Make the Most of Them
Recommendation
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
In D3 World Series, Birmingham-Southern represents school that no longer exists: 'Most insane story'
Simone Biles' greatest move had nothing to do with winning her ninth US title | Opinion
A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Mental health is another battlefront for Ukrainians in Russian war
WNBA upgrades foul on Caitlin Clark by Chennedy Carter, fines Angel Reese for no postgame interview
Columbus Crew's golden opportunity crushed by Pachuca in CONCACAF Champions Cup final