Mystery surrounds man's death in Indy tanning booth
A 39-year-old man named Derek Sink was found dead in a Planet Fitness tanning salon in Indianapolis. His mother, Karen Wetzel, speaks about her son's last days and attempts to comprehend the circumstances of the tragedy.
According to "People" magazine, Derek Sink's body was discovered on Monday, 11th November, in the Planet Fitness tanning salon on Hardegan Street. The man entered the tanning booth on Friday, 8th November, and had not been in contact since then.
On that day, Derek went to the club to purchase a membership. He was accompanied by his girlfriend Heather and her daughter Ava, who, in the meantime, visited a nearby TJMaxx store.
After returning to Planet Fitness, they could not find him. His car was still in the car park but had been moved over by one space. Worried, they began searching the area but to no avail.
After unsuccessful attempts to find Derek, they reported his disappearance to the police on Sunday, 10th November. On Monday, Derek's probation officer visited Planet Fitness and found his body in the tanning booth.
This is not easy. We are all shattered, says Wetzel in an interview with "People". I'm trying to hold on until the funeral, and then I'll let myself break down.
Wetzel reveals that her son struggled with drug addiction and suspects fentanyl might be detected in his body. Despite his problems, he was a man of value and dignity, she recalls.
The thoughtful mother describes Derek as "the kindest person" with "the gentlest heart." Sink was trying to change his life by working in a home for people with mental or physical issues. He was the father of a 20-year-old son.
The tragic death of Sink. Police investigation
Indianapolis police are investigating Sink's death. The officers are puzzled as to how he managed to stay in the tanning booth for three days without anyone noticing.
This is an ongoing investigation. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of death, a police spokesperson said.
Planet Fitness expressed regret over the death of its client. We were deeply saddened by the death of one of our members, and the franchise owner is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation, said McCall Gosselin, Corporate Director at Planet Fitness.
