The body of a young Walmart employee was discovered inside an oven at a Halifax store over the weekend.
The 19-year-old woman, who has not yet been identified, was “located in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store’s bakery department,” Halifax Regional Police confirmed in an update on Tuesday.
Police noted that a cause and manner of death have not been confirmed.
They added that the investigation into Saturday’s “sudden death” at the Mumford Rd. store is “complex” and “may take a significant amount of time.”
The department urged the public “to be mindful of sharing speculative information on social media.
“Please be aware of the impacts that speculation could have on family, colleagues and loved ones of the woman.”
The young woman was a member of the local Sikh community and had moved to Canada from India two to three years ago, the Maritime Sikh Society told CTV News.
Walmart said in a statement that the company was aware of the incident and was working to support its staff.
“We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family,” spokesperson Amanda Moss told the Sun.
“Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need.”
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The store has been closed since Saturday evening as police continue to investigate.
The province’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration confirmed to the Sun that it issued a stop-work order for the bakery and “one piece of equipment.”
“As this is an active investigation, we cannot release further details at this time,” the department said, adding that “workplace investigations are complex and can take time.
“We extend sympathies to the employee’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”
The store will be closed until further notice.