The investigation into the tragic death of Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old Walmart employee found dead in a walk-in oven, continues as police urge the public to refrain from sharing speculative information online. Kaur, an immigrant from India, was discovered in the bakery department’s large oven at the Halifax store on October 19.
Incident Overview
- Date of Incident: October 19, 2024
- Location: Walmart in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Victim: Gursimran Kaur
- Discovery: Emergency responders were called to the scene where Kaur was found locked inside the oven, with the power still on, according to audio recordings obtained by the media.
Investigation Details
Halifax Regional Police have characterized the investigation as “complex” and noted that updates are limited at this time. They have indicated that the inquiry involves several partner agencies and may take a significant amount of time to complete. Authorities are collaborating with the Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of Kaur’s death.
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Public Response
In an email statement, police urged the public to be cautious about speculating on social media, emphasizing the potential impact of such discussions on Kaur’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.
Walmart’s Statement
A Walmart spokesperson, Amanda Ross, expressed that staff were “heartbroken” by Kaur’s death, extending their deepest condolences to her family. She stated that the store remains closed until further notice as the investigation unfolds.
Community Support
The Maritime Sikh Society, which has set up a GoFundMe campaign for Kaur’s family, reported that her mother, who had been working at Walmart for two years, became worried after not hearing from Kaur for about an hour. The family is raising funds to support Kaur’s relatives during this difficult time, with the campaign generating over $140,000 CAD before closing donations.
Organizers described Kaur as “a young beautiful girl who came to Canada with big dreams,” highlighting the family’s unimaginable suffering and their need for community support to cope with this tragic event.
