Worker Found In SC Store Bathroom Was Dead For Days: Reports

COLUMBIA, SC — A 63-year-old janitor died in the public bathroom of a South Carolina department store, but four days passed before someone found her body, according to multiple reports citing Columbia police.

Bessie Durham, who worked at Belk at Columbiana Centre, was last seen Thursday, police told WIS-TV. Her body was discovered Monday night and her cleaning cart was located outside the restroom, according to an Associated Press report.

Durham's body was found shortly after her family filed a missing person report, according to WIS-TV.

Columbia Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly told The AP the store was open regular hours over the weekend. There were also no signs of foul play or drug use.

Belk provided the following statement to WIS-TV:

"First and foremost, we send our deepest condolences to the family of the housekeeping associate who was employed by KBS, which provides cleaning services at our Columbiana Centre location. At this time, we are working with KBS to determine the details around what happened. We have also made counselors available to Belk and KBS associates seeking support."