'Sudden cardiac death' killed Wells Fargo employee found dead at desk: Medical examiner
The death of an Arizona Wells Fargo employee who was found dead at her desk has been ruled a natural, sudden cardiac death, according to the local medical examiner.
The woman, 60-year-old Denise Ann Prudhomme, was found dead at her third-floor desk in Tempe on Aug. 20, according to the Tempe Police Department. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner determined her cause and manner of death, adding that she had “a past medical history of chronic pain.”
The last time Prudhomme scanned her badge to get into work was on Aug. 16, four days before she was found, a report from the medical examiner reviewed by USA TODAY showed.
Another employee was walking by on Aug. 20 when they found her in her chair “slumped over,” the report said. Emergency responders pronounced the woman dead at the scene.
According to the medical examiner’s office, investigators did not find any “concerning items” at her desk and don’t suspect any foul play in her death.
According to the medical examiner, Prudhomme had a medical history of pain in her shoulders. She also had a history of cervicalgia, or neck pain in or around the spine beneath the head, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Arizona woman 'mostly kept to herself'
The medical examiner’s report also included information from Prudhomme’s family and neighbors.
"Her family members and neighbors reported that she was a private person and mostly kept to herself," the report read. "Nobody that knew her (was) aware of any significant social history, medical history, or recent complaints or symptoms."
The medical examiner also noted evidence of myocardial fibrosis in the heart. According to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, myocardial fibrosis occurs when there is a buildup of scar tissue in the heart muscle. Scar tissue can come from damage to the heart, and heart attacks are the most common cause of myocardial fibrosis.
Wells Fargo previously said worker sat in 'underpopulated area' of the building
According to local television station KPNX, Wells Fargo workers reported smelling a foul odor around the time Prudhomme was found but thought it was an issue with the plumbing.
Most Wells Fargo employees in the office work remotely but the building has 24/7 security, KPNX reported.
The company previously said in a statement to USA TODAY that Prudhomme sat in a "very underpopulated area" of the building.
Wells Fargo also said in a statement in August that the company was saddened to hear about her death.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, and we are in contact to ensure they are well supported during this difficult time,” the company said. “We are committed to the safety and wellness of our workforce. Counselors are available to support any employees impacted by this event.”
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wells Fargo worker found dead at desk died from 'sudden cardiac death'
