Authorities have provided new information regarding the investigation into the death of a 19-year-old employee at Walmart, who was found deceased in the store’s walk-in oven in Canada.
On October 19, emergency services were called to a Walmart Supercentre in Halifax, Canada, due to reports of a young woman discovered in the store’s bakery department’s large walk-in oven.
A probe was promptly initiated into the ‘sudden death’ of the Walmart employee, with police later stating that her death has ‘been determined not to be suspicious’.
In the days following the discovery of the woman’s body, HRP Constable Martin Cromwell noted that it ‘may take a significant amount of time’ for authorities to provide updates due to the ‘complex’ nature of the investigation involving ‘several partner agencies’.
As of October 22, the investigation had not yet clarified the cause and manner of death.
However, Halifax Regional Police has since shared an update on its investigation via a Facebook post.
In a post made yesterday (November 18), the police department clarified that the ‘sudden death’ is not considered ‘suspicious’.
The post states: “At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a sudden death in the Walmart located at 6990 Mumford Road. A 19-year-old woman, who was an employee of the store, was located deceased in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department. The police investigation determined the death is not suspicious and there is no evidence of foul play.”
Detailing the investigation, Cromwell mentioned ‘several interviews’ were conducted, and video footage was reviewed, with the department collaborating ‘very closely with our partners at Nova Scotia Department of Labor and medical examiner service’.
He further stated: “We do not believe anyone else was involved in the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.”
The Facebook update concluded: “Investigators met with family to share this update and extend condolences. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. The family asks the public to respect their privacy and the dignity and memory of their loved one, as they receive this news.”
The Walmart employee has since been identified as Gursimran Kaur through a GoFundMe page.
The GoFundMe campaign seeks financial assistance for Kaur’s family, describing their ‘sufferings as unimaginable and indescribable,’ and notes that ‘the entirety of the funds will directly benefit the bereaved family’.
A Walmart spokesperson informed ABC News at the time: “We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family. Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need.”
CTV News has reported that Walmart is currently providing on-site support to employees at the branch, including grief counseling and access to virtual care.