Investigation Underway Following Discovery of Employee’s Body
Tempe, Arizona — The shocking discovery of a Wells Fargo employee’s body in her office cubicle has prompted an ongoing investigation, four days after she last scanned into the building.
Denise Prudhomme, a 60-year-old employee of Wells Fargo, was found dead in her cubicle on August 20th. The unsettling discovery came after Prudhomme had last scanned into her office at 7 a.m. on August 16th, a typical Friday morning. However, there were no subsequent scans indicating her exit or reentry, according to Tempe police.
Tempe police were alerted to the situation by on-site security at the Wells Fargo office located in the 1100 block of West Washington Street. Upon arrival, officers pronounced Prudhomme dead at 4:55 p.m.
Pending autopsy and preliminary findings
The Maricopa County medical examiner is currently determining the cause of death. Initial investigations have shown no signs of foul play, authorities reported.
The circumstances surrounding how Prudhomme’s absence went unnoticed for several days are causing concern. NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix reported that Prudhomme worked in a cubicle on the third floor, which is situated away from the main aisle. An anonymous employee revealed that a colleague found Prudhomme at her desk during a walk around the building. Additionally, several employees had reportedly noticed a foul odor but attributed it to faulty plumbing.
Company response
Wells Fargo confirmed that Prudhomme worked in a sparsely populated area of the building. In a statement released Thursday, the company expressed its condolences: “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.”
The statement also highlighted Wells Fargo’s commitment to employee safety and wellness, stating that the company is “reviewing our own internal procedures after this event.” Counselors have been made available to support employees, and Prudhomme’s colleagues were informed of her death following the notification of her family.
Ongoing investigation
As the investigation continues, the community and Prudhomme’s coworkers are left grappling with the tragic loss and the unsettling questions it raises about workplace safety and awareness.