A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a man whose body was discovered in a tanning bed at a Planet Fitness in Indiana, authorities confirmed.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department stated that 41-year-old Heather Bradford is accused of providing drugs to Derek Sink, who died from a fentanyl overdose. His body was discovered on November 11, 2024, inside the gym’s tanning bed.
According to WTHR, Sink’s body remained in the tanning bed for three days before it was found. His family had reported him missing before authorities located him.
Bradford was taken into custody on May 30 and charged with one count of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death, according to police.
Sink, 39, had been battling drug addiction and had recently joined Planet Fitness, hoping that regular workouts would help him stay sober. A probable cause affidavit reviewed by the Indianapolis Star noted that Bradford, who was also his girlfriend, accompanied him when he signed up for his membership. She allegedly gave him drugs inside the gym.
After Sink stopped replying to her messages, Bradford sent a series of texts. One message cited by WTHR read: “I’m not mad at you babe, I’m just not understanding. As much as I want you to be OK, I kinda am hoping you overdosed and are in a hospital somewhere and will surface in a day or 2.”
Sink’s ankle monitor showed activity on November 9 and 10, but it wasn’t until November 11 that his body was discovered. The Marion County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a fentanyl overdose.
Following a months-long investigation, police arrested Bradford at a gas station in Mooresville.
Sink’s mother, Karen Wetzel, described him to People magazine as “the kindest person” with “the softest heart.” She said he had a 20-year-old son and was working to turn his life around.
“He had the biggest heart ever,” his aunt, Kimberly Smith, told WTHR. “Did he have issues with the law? Yes. Most of it involved drugs. He wanted things in life. He had goals. But he just had that demon, and she fed that demon.”
In a statement provided to McClatchy News last November, Planet Fitness expressed sympathy and said it was working with local authorities.
“We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of our members,” a spokesperson said. “The franchise owner is working with local authorities in their investigation. At Planet Fitness, we have strong brand protocols in place. The safety and well-being of our members is our top priority.”
