Current:Home > ScamsMother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments -Aspire Money Growth
Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
View
Date:2025-04-18 15:42:51
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! (71)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Bitcoin Mining Startup in Idaho Challenges Utility on Rates for Energy-Gobbling Data Centers
- They're illegal. So why is it so easy to buy the disposable vapes favored by teens?
- Twitter vs. Threads, and why influencers could be the ultimate winners
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Inside Clean Energy: ‘Solar Coaster’ Survivors Rejoice at Senate Bill
- How a New ‘Battery Data Genome’ Project Will Use Vast Amounts of Information to Build Better EVs
- The Pathway to 90% Clean Electricity Is Mostly Clear. The Last 10%, Not So Much
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Nikki Bella Shares Her Relatable AF Take on Parenting a Toddler
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Petition Circulators Are Telling California Voters that a Ballot Measure Would Ban New Oil and Gas Wells Near Homes. In Fact, It Would Do the Opposite
- Ditch Sugary Sodas for a 30% Discount on Poppi: An Amazon Prime Day Top-Seller With 15.1K+ 5-Star Reviews
- Q&A: Robert Bullard Led a ‘Huge’ Delegation from Texas to COP27 Climate Talks in Egypt
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- It's a journey to the center of the rare earths discovered in Sweden
- Project Runway All Stars' Rami Kashou on His Iconic Designs, Dressing Literal Royalty & More
- Leaders and Activists at COP27 Say the Gender Gap in Climate Action is Being Bridged Too Slowly
Recommendation
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
Ariana Madix Is Making Her Love Island USA Debut Alongside These Season 5 Singles
Prepare for Nostalgia: The OG Beverly Hills, 90210 Cast Is Reuniting at 90s Con
How fast can the auto industry go electric? Debate rages as the U.S. sets new rules
'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
Amazon Prime Day 2023: Save 35% on Crest Professional Effects White Strips With 59,600+ 5-Star Reviews
Boats, bikes and the Beigies
Why inflation is losing its punch — and why things could get even better