Heartbroken Mother Discovers Daughter's Tragic Death in Halifax Walmart Bakery Oven

Heartbroken Mother Discovers Daughter's Tragic Death in Halifax Walmart Bakery Oven

In a deeply heartbreaking incident, a mother from Halifax, Nova Scotia, discovered the tragic loss of her daughter, Gursimran Kaur, inside the Walmart bakery where they both worked. Gursimran, only 19 years old, lost her life in the store’s walk-in oven on Saturday night, leaving her mother devastated and overwhelmed by grief.

Gursimran and her mother had come to Canada two years ago from India, excited to build a new life together in Halifax. Since arriving, they found community and purpose, joining the local Sikh community and working side by side at Walmart. The Maritime Sikh Society Secretary, Balbir Singh, expressed the profound sadness felt by Gursimran’s mother, describing her as "shattered" and "in psychological pain and agony" from this unimaginable tragedy. The mother is now receiving counseling and support to help her cope.

The heart-wrenching discovery occurred when Gursimran’s mother noticed she hadn’t seen her daughter for over an hour. She started asking around, but coworkers assumed Gursimran was busy helping customers. Growing increasingly anxious, she attempted to reach her daughter by phone, but her calls went unanswered—something highly unusual for Gursimran. Fearing something was wrong, she sought help from the store’s administrative team, and her search eventually led her to the bakery section.

There, a colleague mentioned seeing a strange "leakage" near the walk-in oven, sparking immediate concern. When Gursimran’s mother opened the oven door, she was confronted with a scene that would forever change her life. Inside, she found her daughter’s remains, leaving her inconsolable and traumatized. A family spokesperson later shared that the mother’s horror at discovering her daughter’s charred remains in the oven is beyond words.

Gursimran and her mother were deeply respected members of Halifax’s Sikh community. Known for her caring nature, Gursimran’s mother was described as a “watchful parent” who “lived for her child’s happiness.” Friends and family have expressed their shock and grief, sharing fond memories of Gursimran, who had come to Canada with hopes and dreams of building a brighter future.

The tragic event has sparked efforts to bring Gursimran’s father and brother, who remain in India, to Canada. The family’s suffering has touched the hearts of many, leading the Maritime Sikh Society to initiate a GoFundMe campaign to support them during this extremely difficult time.

Local authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of Gursimran’s death. A dispatch call to first responders revealed that they were responding to an emergency involving a person locked inside a heated bakery oven. “The oven is on,” the dispatch officer reported, adding uncertainty over whether staff could turn it off at the time.

In the aftermath, Walmart released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to Gursimran’s family and the affected employees. The store has provided grief counseling and access to round-the-clock virtual care for its staff. As a mark of respect and support, Walmart has also decided to keep the Halifax store temporarily closed and will continue paying staff while they are off work. The store will remain closed until further notice.

When Gursimran’s remains are released by the medical examiner, a religious ceremony will be held to honor her memory, allowing her loved ones and community members to come together and grieve this heartbreaking loss.

This devastating tragedy has left an indelible mark on those who knew Gursimran and her mother. In the words of a family friend, Gursimran will be remembered as “a beautiful girl who came to Canada with big dreams.” Her passing is a sobering reminder of the preciousness of life and the deep bonds between a mother and child.

The Maritime Sikh Society continues to support the family and asks for the community’s assistance during this sorrowful time. They invite the public to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to aid the family as they navigate this profound loss, paying tribute to a young life taken too soon.