Police closed the Zehrs at 400 Conestoga Blvd. around 8 a.m. this morning after a worker was found dead inside a walk-in freezer.
Loblaws head office later confirmed in an email that a worker's death in the store prompted the police investigation that closed the store for the day.
"Tragically one of our colleagues passed away while at work," said Loblaws public relations officer Catherine Thomas. "The store will remain closed today as we support our colleagues through this difficult time."
An emailed statement from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development confirmed workers at the store discovered the deceased individual in a walk-in freezer.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the worker during this difficult time," said the email.
Dozens of shoppers expressed shock and sadness after discovering why their local grocery store was closed this morning.
Derek Mann sat in his car upset as workers never came out to fulfill the online order he placed the day before. After learning about the sudden death at the store earlier in the morning, his groceries didn't seem as important.
"Well, it doesn't even matter anymore. That's so sad," said Mann.
Even those who were out to get their annual flu shots were surprised to learn about the closure.
"I am shocked," said Jennifer Cucoin who works at a nearby school. "Nothing like this ever happens around here."
Waterloo regional police communications director Cherri Greeno said while the death does not seem suspicious, police are still investigating the circumstances that led to the death.
No more information is being released from police or the ministry at this time.
