Denise Prudhomme - Tempe Arizona

Name & Age: Denise Prudhomme, 60

Location: Tempe, Arizona

Circumstances: Ms Prudhomme entered the Wells Fargo corporate office in Tempe, Arizona on the morning of August 16, but according to records, never exited. Her body was discovered by security four days later on August 20. 

 

The medical examiner's report indicated that Ms. Prudhomme suffered a sudden cardiac death and Tempe police reported no suspicion of foul play.

According to sources familiar with the deceased, Prudhomme worked in a section of the building that was typically less populated due to remote work arrangements.

The death of Ms. Prudhomme also prompted a call for enhanced safety precautions that would alleviate stress for employees. 

In a statement issued following the incident, Wells Fargo Workers United, the union representing Wells Fargo employees, criticized the company. The union noted the company "monitors [their] every move and keystroke using remote, electronic technologies ― purportedly to evaluate [employee] productivity. The contradictory nature of electronic surveillance versus an unnoticed death sheds light on the reality of what it means to be a worker at Wells Fargo." 

Notes: An anonymous worker shared their shock and was reported as saying, "It's really heartbreaking. 'What if I were just sitting there?' No one would check on me?" Another expressed distress over the incident, admitting that several people had noticed a "foul odor" but passed it off as "faulty plumbing."

 

May Ms Prudhomme rest in peace.

 

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Sources: 

 

Times of India, "Wells Fargo employee death: How did Denise Prudhomme's body go unnoticed for 4 days of ignored odors?" September 3, 2024.

Arizona Republic, "Cause of death released for Tempe Wells Fargo employee found dead in her office." October 25, 2024.