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Walmart employee found dead inside walk-in oven at Canada store

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Walmart employee found dead inside walk-in oven at Canada store

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Police in Canada continue to investigate the death of a 19-year-old Walmart employee whose body was found Saturday inside a store’s walk-in bakery oven.

The Walmart store, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, remains closed after the woman was found dead around 9:30 p.m. local time Saturday, Halifax police said Monday. In an update Tuesday, police identified the woman as an employee of the store and confirmed she was found in a walk-in oven of the store’s bakery department.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause or manner of the woman’s death, nor released her name to the public. A Sikh leader in Halifax identified the woman as a member of the Sikh community to CBC.

“The investigation is complex and involves several partner agencies,” Halifax police said in a statement. “An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time.”

Walmart in Canada remains closed amid death investigation

In a statement to USA TODAY, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration confirmed that a stop-work order was issued Tuesday for the bakery and one piece of equipment at the Walmart store.

“We extend sympathies to the employee’s family at this incredibly difficult time,” the department said in a statement. “As this is an active investigation, we cannot release further details at this time. Please note, workplace investigations are complex and can take time.”

Walmart spokeswoman Amanda Moss told USA TODAY that the store is closed until further notice amid the investigation. Multiple outlets reported that the company is providing access to 24/7 virtual care to employees and providing on-site support, including grief counselling.

“We are heartbroken and our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family,” Moss said in a statement. “Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need.”

This story has been updated to add new information.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

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