*Arizona authorities are investigating circumstances surrounding a Wells Fargo employee who was found dead in her cubicle four days after reporting for work. NBC News reports the woman, Denise Prudhomme last scanned into the building at 7 a.m. Aug. 16 for what looked to be an ordinary day of work at her Tempe, AZ-based office.
According to authorities, there was no further scan in or out of the office. On-site security called Tempe police, which responded to the Wells Fargo office in the 1100 block of West Washington Street. The call stemmed from what security believed to be a dead employee who turned out to be Prudhomme. The 60-year-old worker was pronounced dead at 4:55pm on Aug. 20.
The cause of death is pending determination by the Maricopa County medical examiner, authorities stated, while noting that no obvious signs of foul play were present in the preliminary investigation.
The investigation continues, NBC News mentioned, adding that it is not clear how Prudhomme was unnoticed for so long.
In its report, NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix mentioned that Prudhomme worked in a cubicle on the third floor, away from the main aisle. Wells Fargo confirmed she sat in an underpopulated area of the building.
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An employee who spoke with the outlet on the condition of anonymity provided additional details, saying a colleague found Prudhomme at her desk while walking around the building. The employee added that although several people smelled a foul odor, they believed it was due to faulty plumbing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, Denise Prudhomme. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, and we are in contact to ensure they are well supported during this difficult time,” Wells Fargo said in a statement about the situation on Aug. 22.
The company stated it is “committed to the safety and wellness of our workforce” and it is “reviewing our own internal procedures after this event.” In addition, Wells Fargo has made counselors available to support employees.
Prudhomme’s fellow employees were told of her death after the company notified her family, Wells Fargo said.
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