Candlelight vigil held to remember employee who died at Halifax Walmart

On Sunday night, a somber vigil took place outside a Halifax Walmart to honor the memory of Gursimran Kaur, the 19-year-old woman who was tragically found dead inside a commercial bakery oven at the store on October 19th. People gathered to light candles, say prayers, and share stories about Kaur’s gentle spirit.

Varinder Singh, who lived in the same apartment building as Kaur and her mother, described her as a kind and gentle soul. He expressed disbelief at the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, stating, “It’s so bad.” More than 100 people attended the vigil, placing candles on the ground near a memorial of flowers and cards that had been set up in front of the store.

Many in the crowd had immigrated to Canada from India and felt a strong connection to Kaur and her family. Rajan Sood, a friend of the victim, spoke about the importance of paying tribute to Kaur and praying for her peace. He, along with others at the vigil, expressed frustration at the lack of details surrounding the investigation into Kaur’s death.

There were also individuals at the vigil who did not know Kaur or her mother but felt compelled to show their support. Inder Kaur, one such attendee, emphasized the need for justice and expressed solidarity with the grieving family.

Rimple Dhunna, who has been offering support to Kaur’s mother, highlighted the family’s intense grief and the mother’s desperate need for answers. Halifax Regional Police have indicated that the investigation is complex and could take a significant amount of time due to involvement from multiple partner agencies.

Walmart released a statement expressing condolences to the family, community, and store staff. The company stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and is committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding Kaur’s death. The Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration has lifted a stop work order for the bakery, allowing operations to resume safely. However, the store remains closed, and a reopening date has not been announced.

The vigil served as a poignant reminder of the impact of Kaur’s tragic death on the community, as people came together to mourn, seek answers, and show support for her family during this difficult time.