‘Nasty’: Gym criticized after man’s body went undiscovered for days in tanning bed

INDIANAPOLIS (TNND) — Planet Fitness is facing hash criticism on social media after reports surfaced about a man who was found dead in a tanning bed at one of the company’s locations in Indianapolis.

The man, 39-year-old Derek Sink, was allegedly dead for three days before his body was discovered.

“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, who is the chief corporate affairs officer at Planet Fitness, noted in a statement obtained by The National News Desk.

The public is questioning why gym employees weren’t more alert, suggesting workers never checked the booth to sanitize it.

“The fact he went unnoticed for 3 days mean they ain’t clean that sh*t in 3 days,” one person wrote.

Several others agreed and called out the gym.

“Not cleaning ur gym for 3 days is NASTY WORK,” another person wrote.

One woman claimed “newer beds have timers that shut off at about 20 minutes” and said it’s the company’s responsibility to check the bed after the timer shuts off to clean in, as well as to ensure the person using it exited the bed.

“Even if no one came in requesting that bed – you still have to do ‘one last check’ at end of shift to make sure all the beds are clean and ready next business day,” the woman wrote. “The family is gonna have a hell of a General Liability lawsuit on this one.”

Gosselin said the facility has “robust” policies. He added that the company is making sure all locations are adhering to the rules.

“At Planet Fitness, we have robust operational brand protocols in place, as the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority,” he said. “We are working closely with our local franchisee to ensure they are upholding those brand protocols.”

Citing police, WTHR said Sink went into the tanning bed at the gym Friday and was found dead Monday. His family told the media outlet they reported him missing Friday and were devastated to learn the news of his death, also noting the gym should have better policies when it comes to cleaning and an end-of-the-day checklist.

Sink’s relatives went on to say Sink struggled with drugs, adding that a needle was in the room where he was found.

Sink’s mother, Karen Wetzel, later told PEOPLE her son was “navigating drug addiction” and “is convinced” a toxicology report will show fentanyl in his system.

While she said he had a troubled past, she told PEOPLE he was “the kindest person” who had “the softest heart.”

Sink’s cause of death has not been determined.

An investigation is ongoing.