TEMPE, Ariz. — An investigation is underway in Tempe after the body of a Wells Fargo employee was discovered at the office, with reports suggesting she may have been there for four days before being found.
The body of 60-year-old Denise Prudhomme was found inside the Wells Fargo corporate office in Tempe. According to Tempe police, Prudhomme scanned into work at 7 a.m. on August 16. On August 20, building security called authorities after discovering an unresponsive worker. Officers confirmed that Prudhomme was deceased.
An anonymous associate who spoke with 12News expressed concern over the situation. “To hear she’s been sitting at the desk like that would make me feel sick,” the worker said. “And nobody did anything. That’s how she spent her last moments.”
The cubicle where Prudhomme was found was reportedly on the third floor, away from the main aisle. Another employee who spoke anonymously said that while several people smelled a foul odor, they attributed it to faulty plumbing.
With many employees working remotely, the building has 24/7 security, which raises questions about why Prudhomme wasn’t discovered sooner. “That’s the scary part. That’s the uneasy part,” said the employee. “It’s negligence in some part.”
Police have stated that there is nothing suspicious about the death, though many details about the time and cause of death remain unclear. The lack of communication from the bank has frustrated some employees. “I’m just wondering why they didn’t formally address employees about it?” one worker said.
Wells Fargo issued a statement to 12News, saying “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague at our Tempe office. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and loved ones during this difficult time. Counselors, through our Employee Assistance Consulting service, are available to support our employees. We are fully cooperating with the Tempe Police Department in their investigation and will direct all further questions to them.”
However, some employees feel Wells Fargo needs to be more transparent. “I just feel like they aren’t being transparent with us and somebody needs to acknowledge this,” said one worker. “To the family, I’m sorry for their loss. I feel it because I’m thinking about my mom and my mother-in-law and what if that happened to them.”
Police said the initial investigation showed no signs of foul play. The Tempe Police Criminal Investigations Bureau is collaborating with the Maricopa County medical examiner to determine the cause of death.
