Teenage Walmart worker found dead in oven, police warn against speculation

As the investigation into the death of a teenage Walmart employee continues, who was found dead in a walk-in ovenPolice have asked the public to be aware of what they say online and not share ‘speculative information’.

Halifax Regional Police attended the scene on Sunday, October 19 called to a local Walmart because a “19-year-old woman who worked at the store was found deceased.”

In another update On Tuesday, October 22, police announced that the woman “was located in a large walk-in oven in the bakery department of the store.”

The victim was identified as Gursimran Kauran immigrant from India, an official with the Maritime Sikh Society, who is a GoFundMe on behalf of Kaur’s family, confirmed to PEOPLE.

The employee was said to be “trapped” inside with the power still on, according to audio from emergency crews responding to the tragedy. published by The Daily Mail

In an email to PEOPLE on Friday, Oct. 25, Halifax Regional Police Commissioner Martin Cromwell said the investigation is “complex” and that police “have no updates to provide at this time.”

Police previously said the case, which involves “several partner agencies,” “could take a significant amount of time.”

“We urge the public to be cautious about sharing speculative information on social media,” police continued. “Be aware of the consequences speculation can have for the woman’s family, colleagues and loved ones.”

“Investigators are working closely with Occupational Health and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death,” she added.

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Walmart spokesperson Amanda Ross previously said in a statement that staff were “heartbroken” by Kaur’s death.

“Our deepest thoughts are with our employee and their family,” Ross said. “Our focus remains on looking after our employees and ensuring they have the support they need. As the police have stated, this is a very complex case and the investigation is ongoing.”

When reached for comment on Friday, October 25, the spokesperson said the store “will be closed until further notice.”

Kaur was remembered as “a young, beautiful girl who came to Canada with big dreams,” according to the Maritime Sikh Society.

In a post shared on GoFundMe, organizers said her mother – who started working at the store two years ago – allegedly tried to track down her daughter’s whereabouts on the evening of October 19, after having already seen her for about a year. hadn’t seen for hours. She tried to reach Kaur by phone, but was unsuccessful.

The organization subsequently claimed to have discovered her daughter’s body.

As of Friday, October 25, the campaign has generated more than $140,000 ($194,000 Canadian dollars) and is no longer accepting donations.

“The suffering of this family is unimaginable and indescribable,” organizers wrote. “They need your support to get through this horrific time.”