The Sikh community is mourning the tragic death of a teenager discovered in a walk-in oven at a Halifax Walmart, with leaders raising nearly CAD 200,000 to support her family, USA Today reports.
The victim has been identified as Gursimran Kaur, a 19-year-old who worked at the store alongside her mother.
Halifax regional police were called to the Walmart on Saturday night, where Kaur’s body was found in the bakery department. While authorities have not released her name, a GoFundMe page organized by the Maritime Sikh Society confirmed her identity and shared that both Kaur and her mother moved to Canada from India two years ago.
“This family’s sufferings are unimaginable and indescribable,” Sikh leaders stated on the GoFundMe page, reportedly created with the consent of Kaur’s family.
The fundraiser accumulated nearly CAD 195,000 before its closure on Friday, providing financial support for Kaur’s family, including travel arrangements for her father and brother still in India.
According to the details shared on the fundraising page, Kaur’s mother discovered her in the oven after searching for her within the store. The Sikh leaders expressed gratitude to the community for their contributions during this difficult time.
“Your kindness and generosity have been a source of strength for the family as they navigate through this tragedy,” they stated.
Halifax police are continuing their investigation but have not yet determined the cause or manner of Kaur’s death. The agency has indicated that the investigation is complex and involves multiple partner agencies, which may extend the timeline for resolution.
In light of the investigation, the Walmart location remains closed indefinitely after the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration issued a stop-work order for the bakery and certain equipment. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed the store’s closure “until further notice,” expressing condolences and emphasizing support for associates affected by the incident.
