A 19-year-old Walmart employee was found dead in the bakery’s walk-in oven. Police say investigation is ‘complex’

According to Halifax Regional Police, details about the death are extremely limited and the investigation is ongoing.

“The woman, an employee of the store, was in a large walk-in oven that was part of the bakery section of the store,” her statement said. “It is important to note that the investigation has not yet reached the point where the cause and manner of death have been confirmed.”

Police described the investigation as “complex” and said multiple partner agencies were involved in the investigation. Authorities urged the media and social media users to be cautious about speculation and to be sensitive to the family’s needs.

Local broadcaster CBC reported that the young woman and her family had just moved from India to Canada in the last three years.

A 911 call last Saturday described the woman as being “trapped” in the oven. However, sources told the CBC that the oven was not locked. Police responded to the call around 9:30 p.m. and described the incident as a “sudden death.” Authorities have not expressed any suspicion of foul play.

Walmart has offered counseling to its employees in response to the tragedy, and mourners set up a memorial outside the store to pay their respects.