The Maricopa County Medical Examiner recently released the cause of death for 60-year-old Denise Prudhomme, a Wells Fargo employee found dead at her desk four days after clocking into work.
Prudhomme, who worked at the Wells Fargo corporate office in Tempe, Arizona, was last seen on August 16, when she scanned into her workplace at 7 a.m. Tragically, on August 20, colleagues notified authorities after discovering her unresponsive in her cubicle, which was located on the third floor of the building, away from the main aisle. When police arrived, they found her deceased, with no immediate signs of foul play.
The medical examiner’s report determined Prudhomme’s cause of death to be “sudden cardiac death in the setting of myocardial fibrosis.” Myocardial fibrosis is a condition in which scar tissue accumulates in the heart, reducing its ability to function effectively.
This scar tissue buildup increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, a condition often caused by heart attacks or prolonged heart disease, though it may develop unnoticed over time. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and this condition underscores the often-silent nature of some cardiac conditions.
Health experts note that myocardial fibrosis can develop due to several underlying health factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic heart conditions. As it progresses, it compromises the heart’s elasticity and disrupts normal heart rhythms.
While many affected individuals experience symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, others may have minimal or no symptoms, making it difficult to detect until a critical event occurs. In Prudhomme’s case, it’s unclear if she had experienced prior symptoms or had sought medical attention for heart-related concerns.
Wells Fargo staff and Tempe police have expressed sadness and extended condolences to Prudhomme’s family and friends. Fellow employees described her as a dedicated colleague, noting that her quiet cubicle location contributed to the delay in her discovery. Since no evidence of foul play was found, her death has been classified as a natural medical event.
The incident has prompted discussions on workplace health monitoring, particularly for employees with potential undiagnosed medical conditions. Prudhomme’s sudden passing serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health awareness, especially in workplaces where employees may be at desks for extended periods.
