Wells Fargo employee found dead at office desk four days after clocking in
A woman working for Wells Fargo in Arizona died at work and was found four days later, authorities have confirmed.
Denise Prudhomme, 60, last clocked in at the Wells Fargo in Tempe at 7 a.m. on Aug. 16, the Tempe Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday. She was found at a third-floor desk in the office on Aug. 20, leading on-site security to call police.
Firefighters also responded and pronounced the woman dead at 4:55 p.m., police said.
Prudhomme's cause and manner of death were pending as of Thursday morning, according to the Office of Medical Examiner.
According to police, an initial investigation found no obvious signs of foul play. An investigation is ongoing and authorities are interviewing employees at the Wells Fargo location to get more information.
Wells Fargo workers reported smelling a foul odor but thought it was an issue with the plumbing, local television station KPNX reported citing an unnamed employee.
At least one employee told the outlet they wondered why Wells Fargo didn't formally address workers about the woman's death initially.
Most Wells Fargo employees in the office work remotely but the building has 24/7 security, per KPNX.
Wells Fargo said in a statement to USA TODAY that the company had to communicate with Prudhomme's family before speaking to employees. The company added that she sat in a "very underpopulated area" of the building.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Wells Fargo said the company is saddened by Prudhomme’s death.
“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. We are committed to the safety and wellness of our workforce. Counselors are available to support any employees impacted by this event.”
A previous statement sent by Wells Fargo to USA TODAY indicated the company would be reviewing its internal procedures.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].