Cambridge Zehrs Employee Found Dead in Walk-In Freezer
A tragic incident unfolded at a Cambridge Zehrs grocery store when an employee was found deceased inside the store’s walk-in freezer. The incident occurred on October 15, 2024, at the Conestoga Boulevard location near Dunbar Road. Authorities and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.
Incident Details
The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) responded to a call early Tuesday morning regarding a heavy police presence at the store. Police found the body of a male worker in the freezer but reported no suspicious activity. The Ministry of Labour assigned an inspector to the case to ensure compliance with workplace safety protocols.
In a statement provided to CityNews Kitchener, the Ministry expressed its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased employee. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time,” the statement read. The Ministry is now investigating the circumstances of the death, but has declined to release additional details until the investigation concludes.
Store Closure and Response
Following the incident, the Zehrs store closed its doors on Tuesday. The store’s management issued a statement on Facebook, citing unforeseen circumstances for the closure. A Zehrs official informed CityNews that they expected the store to reopen on Wednesday, allowing time for the investigation and staff to process the tragedy.
Loblaw, the parent company of Zehrs, also shared a statement with CBC News, acknowledging the worker’s death. “Out of respect for the family, we will not provide further details,” Loblaw stated, while also expressing grief over the loss of their colleague.
Investigation Ongoing
While the WRPS is not treating the death as suspicious, the Ministry of Labour is focusing on the safety aspects of the workplace. Their investigation will determine if any violations of labour regulations occurred and if any further action is required. The MLITSD inspector assigned to the case will assess the conditions of the freezer and surrounding areas to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the ministry has yet to release a timeline for its conclusion. This tragic event underscores the importance of workplace safety and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the well-being of all employees.
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