Following his firing for “workplace violence” and subsequently being escorted out of the building, Ghanaian trainer and fitness model Abeku Wilson, 33, fatally shot two of his ex-colleagues before killing himself in an Equinox gym in Coral Gables, Florida on Saturday, April 8, 2017.
Equinox fitness center is located at the Shops at Merrick Park, an upscale Coral Gables mall anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
Gym members witnessed the murder-suicide. General manager Janine Ackerman, 35, and personal trainer Marios Hortis, 42, were shot by Wilson before he turned the gun on himself.
According to the Coral Gables Police press release, Wilson “was terminated from his employment on Saturday, April 8, 2017, due to work place violence and was escorted off the premises. He then returned to the fitness center armed with a hand gun and shot the general manager, Janine Ackerman, multiple times. He also shot Marios Hortis, employee, multiple times, and then turned the gun on himself.”
Our entire Equinox family experienced a terrible tragedy yesterday when a former trainer walked into our club in Coral Gables and shot two members of our team. We are deeply saddened to inform you that our General Manager, Janine Ackerman, and our Fitness Manager, Marios Hortis, both passed away as a result of their injuries. Our sense of loss is too profound for words.
Janine was 35 years old and had been a member of our Equinox family for nearly two years. She was promoted to General Manager of our club in Coral Gables last August. She was a kind and caring soul, a person we all loved and will deeply miss. Her memory will never be forgotten.
Marios Hortis, 42 years old, was with Equinox for more than six years. He was mortally wounded when the shooter entered the club, and died as a result of his injuries. His generous spirit and warm demeanor made him an always welcome presence in our world, one that will be sorely missed.
Our love, prayers and condolences are with both families during this terrible time. The collective Equinox community will always keep Janine and Marios in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy. Our most important priority is the safety and security of our team and our community. We will always do everything in our power to ensure that safety in every way possible.
