Wells Fargo employee found dead at desk after four days
An investigation is underway into the death of a Wells Fargo financial corporation employee who came to the office on Friday morning and was found dead at her desk four days later. Coworkers did not notice her for several days. They only complained that the building had a strange smell.
1 September 2024 16:38
Authorities in Arizona, United States, have launched an investigation into the death of a woman who was found dead at her desk on Tuesday, 20 August. Local media reported that, according to authorities, 60-year-old Denise Prudhomme entered the Wells Fargo office building in Tempe, Arizona, at 7 AM Greenwich Time on 16 August. For four days, she went unnoticed by any of her coworkers.
On 20 August, the building's security called the police. One of the employees said that his colleague found Prudhomme dead in her office while walking around the building. Upon arrival at the scene, officers pronounced the woman dead.
Ms Prudhomme's workstation was reportedly located on the third floor of the building, away from others. That's why she went unnoticed for so many days.
She died at her desk. Coworkers complained of an unpleasant smell
The employee who spoke with 12News said that many people complained about the unpleasant smell but assumed it was due to plumbing issues.
"It's really heartbreaking and I'm thinking, 'What if I were just sitting there?' No one would check on me?," said another employee in an interview with the service.
Wells Fargo stated that the loss of a colleague from the office deeply saddens it. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and loved ones during this difficult time. Counselors, through our Employee Assistance Consulting service, are available to support our employees," the statement read.
"We are fully cooperating with the Tempe Police Department in their investigation and will direct all further questions to them," the corporation emphasised.
The preliminary phase of the investigation does not indicate that a crime was committed.