Police have once again spoken out as the investigation into the tragic death of a teenage Walmart employee continues.
On Sunday, Halifax Regional Police confirmed that 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur had died the night prior at a store in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
"The woman, who was an employee of the store, was located in a large walk-in oven belonging to the store's bakery department," police said in a statement.
While police are still working to determine the exact cause and manner of death, sources told Global News earlier this week that the large baking oven was still operational when first responders arrived at the scene.
Investigators are collaborating with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) division and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
As of Tuesday, the cause and manner of death have not been determined, with police describing the situation as a "complex" investigation.
"An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time," police noted.
The Daily Mail later published audio reportedly from emergency officials responding to the tragedy, stating that the teenager had been "locked" inside the oven with the power turned on.
Now, Halifax Regional Police Constable Martin Cromwell has spoken out about the case, which he stressed in a statement to PEOPLE is "complex".
Police have stated that the case currently "involves several partner agencies" and that reaching definitive answers could "take a significant amount of time".
Given the tragic nature of the teenager's death, the story has been widely circulated on social media - drawing a range of unfounded theories in comments sections.
Police have therefore urged the public to refrain from sharing "speculative information" - highlighting the importance of being mindful at this time.
"Please be aware of the impacts that speculation could have on family, colleagues and loved ones of the woman," police said in a statement.
"Investigators are working closely with Occupational Health and Safety and the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service to determine the cause and manner of death," police added.
Responding to their employee's heartbreaking death, Walmart spokesperson Amanda Ross has also said in a statement: "Our deepest thoughts are with our associate and their family.
"Our focus remains on taking care of our associates and making sure they have the support they need. As police have stated, this is a very complex matter and the investigation is ongoing."
Additionally, it has been reported that the store will remain "closed until further notice" (per a statement released on October 25).
Following Kaur's death, a GoFundMe has been launched in her memory, with funds raised directly being donated to the teen's "bereaved family".
The online fundraiser describes Kaur as a "young beautiful girl who came to Canada with big dreams". More than $194,000 CAD ($140,000 USD) has been raised as of this writing.
"This family's sufferings are unimaginable and indescribable,” organizers from the Maritime Sikh Society wrote. "They need your support to get through this horrific time."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Kaur's family and loved ones at this time.
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