Entrepreneur and restaurateur Pinky Cole, the founder and CEO of the popular plant-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan, has revealed a deeply unsettling incident that has cast a shadow over the start of her 2026.
In a viral video shared on social media, Cole disclosed that she and her husband, Derrick Hayes, recently discovered that a dead body was found inside a building they own, which was in the process of being sold. According to Cole, the grim discovery was made when a real estate agent took prospective buyers to view the property.
“Y’all, I can’t make this up,” Cole said in the video. “Me and Derrick, we’re selling this building. The agent took people to the property yesterday and when they opened up the building, there was a dead body inside.”
Clearly shaken, the business mogul expressed disbelief at the incident, describing it as an unthinkable way to begin the new year. Her candid reaction, laced with shock and frustration, quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention and concern from fans and fellow entrepreneurs.
While Cole did not provide details about the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death, her comments sparked an outpouring of sympathy online, with many users urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and offering support to the couple.
Neither local law enforcement nor property representatives have publicly commented on the case as of publication. It remains unclear how long the body had been inside the building or whether foul play is suspected.
Cole, who has built a national brand celebrated for innovation, resilience and community empowerment, has often spoken openly about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. This latest incident, however, stands out as an unusually distressing moment in her personal and business life.
As investigations continue, supporters say they hope clarity—and peace—will follow what Cole described as an almost surreal start to 2026.
