An Indiana man was discovered dead inside a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness gym three days after he was last seen entering the establishment.
Derek Sink, 39, was found around four hours after the gym on Indianapolis' Hardegan Street opened its doors on Monday morning (November 11), the Indianapolis Star reported.
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The 39-year-old's family reported him missing on Sunday (November 10).
They informed the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that Derek got himself into the gym's tanning bed on Friday (November 8). He was found three days after he entered the building, MCCO confirmed to PEOPLE.
A customer named Elizabeth Len, who visited the facility on Monday, recalled a rancid odor that could be smelled before the body was discovered.
“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?” she questioned.
Derek's family told local media that their loved one dealt with drug problems, and claimed that a needle was in the room at the facility.
Another relative reportedly added that an ankle monitor worn by the man helped cops locate where he’d been, per The New York Post.
Following the man's tragic death, Planet Fitness shared its condolences and highlighted its dedication to protecting its members.
“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 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," Gosselin added.
Derek's family hopes there will be more stringent policies put in place to prevent a tragic death like his from happening again.
According to WPTA, on November 11, a sign was put on the door of the gym, stating that tanning was currently unavailable.
Authorities have said that Derek's exact manner and cause of death have not been determined. The investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
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