An investigation was launched after a man found dead inside a tanning bed at an Indianapolis Planet Fitness three days after checking into the gym, FOX Business reports.
Derek E. Sink, 39, was identified as the man found dead Monday (November 11) morning, three days after last making contact with his family on Friday (November 8). The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received a report of a body found at the Planet Fitness gym just before 8:30 a.m. local time. Authorities confirmed to FOX News Digital that they were investigating a death at the Indianapolis Planet Fitness but didn't provide any additional details, according to the website.
Elizabeth Len, who was at the gym Monday morning told 13News that she and other members smelled a foul stench near the tanning rooms that got worse over time.
"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 asked.
Sink, who reportedly struggled with drugs, according to his family, and was found with a needle in the room and wore an ankle monitor, which to help investigators determine that he never left the gym after his initial check-in on Sunday, 13News reported. Planet Fitness issued a statement obtained by the news station in response to Sink's death.
“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," said Chief Corporate Affairs Officer McCall Gosselin. "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.”