A senior citizen was discovered lifeless in the sauna of a gym on Staten Island early Thursday morning, according to local law enforcement. The 70-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, was found unresponsive in the steam bath at the LA Fitness facility on Richmond Avenue, near Gurley Avenue in Arden Heights, shortly after 5 a.m.
The man was declared dead at the scene by the responding authorities. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, but initial reports from the police suggest there were no immediate indications of foul play involved in the elderly man’s death.
The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is tasked with determining the official cause of death. The autopsy results, which will provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, are expected to be released in the coming days.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place at the gym, particularly in areas like the sauna where patrons may be alone for extended periods. It is unclear at this time whether the man had any known health issues that could have contributed to his death.
LA Fitness, a popular nationwide chain of fitness centers, has yet to comment on the incident. The gym, like many others, has been operating under new safety guidelines due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it is unclear if these guidelines have any bearing on this incident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with using facilities like saunas, particularly for older individuals. Health experts often advise seniors to take precautions when using such facilities, due to the increased risk of dehydration and other health complications.
As the investigation continues, local residents and gym members are left with questions about the safety of their community fitness center. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the gym, with many waiting for answers about what led to the tragic death of the elderly man.