The owner of a fitness center in Gilbert has lost her rights to the franchise following accusations involving her family in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord.
In a move announced on Friday, OHM Fitness has ended its relationship with Becky Renner, taking over her gym. This decision was confirmed by Doug Payne, the CEO of OHM Fitness, in an email sent to gym members.
OHM Fitness Cuts Ties with Renner Amid Preston Lord Case
Doug Payne, the CEO of OHM Fitness, stated in an email that the company has terminated its relationship with Becky Renner due to her family's alleged role in the events leading to Preston Lord's death in October 2023. The company has now taken over the operation of her gym in Gilbert at Cooley Station.
"We stand with the Gilbert community and are hoping for quick and fair justice for Preston Lord and his family," Payne expressed in the email.
Becky Renner has not responded to interview requests through phone calls and text messages.
Following the fatal assault of Lord at a Halloween party in Queen Creek on October 28, there have been widespread community calls to boycott Renner's OHM franchise and her other businesses.
Becky Renner, the owner of the OHM franchise, did not reply to requests for interviews via phone and text.
Her OHM franchise and other businesses have faced calls for boycotts across the community. This reaction comes in the wake of the tragic incident where Preston Lord was fatally beaten at a Halloween party in Queen Creek on October 28.
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Social Media Campaign Calls for Boycott of Renner's Businesses
Activists have used social media platforms, notably Reddit and Facebook, to urge locals to avoid Becky Renner's businesses. This is part of a wider effort to seek justice for Preston Lord. In addition, numerous negative reviews have been posted about her business online.
The local community, including parents and students, has openly accused one of Renner's sons of participating in the attack on Lord. In November, the police searched Renner's home as part of their investigation.
Police have yet to identify any suspects in the death of Preston Lord, and so far, no charges have been brought against anyone.
The son of Becky Renner, owner of the OHM franchise, is a minor. Following its policy, The Republic does not publish the names of juveniles involved in criminal cases, regardless of whether they are convicted.
On Saturday, an OHM Fitness representative confirmed that an email had been sent to gym members. The statement declared that Renner's business is now under new management "effective immediately."
The statement further mentioned, "There have been allegations involving the family of the OHM Fitness franchisee. As a result, the OHM Fitness corporate team is now handling the daily operations and management until a new franchise owner is found."
Renner launched the OHM Fitness Center at Cooley Station on Williams Field Road in October. Since July 2022, she has been a brand representative for the company, known for its 25-minute, high-tech power suit workouts.
Renner has been a familiar figure in the fitness and nutrition industry in the Southeast Valley for several years. In 2014, she and her husband were featured in a piece by The Republic. They were recognized for their humanitarian work, notably their efforts to drill a well and provide clean drinking water to the community in Bugiri, Uganda.
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