Current:Home > MarketsMother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments -ValueCore
Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:00:02
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! (76)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Let All Naysayers Know: Jalen Milroe silences critics questioning quarterback ability
- A chemical cloud moving around Atlanta’s suburbs prompts a new shelter-in-place alert
- Nike stock responds as company names new CEO. Is it too late to buy?
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Are oats healthy? Here's how to make them an even better breakfast.
- Officials warned electric vehicles can catch fire in Helene flooding: What to know
- Dartmouth College naming center in memory of football coach Teevens
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- I’ve Spent Over 1000+ Hours on Amazon, and These Are the 9 Coziest Fall Loungewear Starting at $12
Ranking
- Average rate on 30
- Adrien Brody Has Iconic Reaction to Kim Kardashian Mistaking Him for Adam Brody
- As SNL turns 50, a look back at the best political sketches and impressions
- Georgia National Guard starts recovery efforts in Augusta: Video shows debris clearance
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Port workers strike at East Coast, Gulf ports sparks fears of inflation and more shortages
- Social media star MrBallen talks new book, Navy SEALs, mental health
- Tallulah Willis Shares “Forever” Memories of Dad Bruce Willis Amid His Health Battle
Recommendation
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
As heat rises, California kids are sweltering in schools with no air conditioning
Lady Gaga Details “Amazing Creative Bond” With Fiancé Michael Polansky
US job openings rise to 8 million as labor market remains sturdy
Sam Taylor
Morgan Wallen donates $500K for Hurricane Helene relief
What are enzymes, and what do they have to do with digestion?
The grace period for student loan payments is over. Here’s what you need to know