Jo-Ann's Store Closed After Employee Death

The Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores location at the Colony Square Mall in Zanesville, OH has been closed since Friday morning due to what the company is describing as a "tragic incident involving one of our team members" inside the store.

Local police told the Zanesville Times-Recorder that an employee committed suicide at the store, but that the death did not occur in the vicinity of other employees or shoppers visiting the store.

Jo-Ann Stores is cooperating with local authorities investigating the death, and a crisis support team has been brought in to assist employees of the store.

"We are deeply saddened by the news," said Lisa Greb, director of corporate communications for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. "Our thoughts are with our team member’s family at this time."

Greb also expressed thanks to those assisting its employees during the incident: "We would also like to express our gratitude to the first responders who selflessly offered their help in this situation."

According to Jo-Ann Stores' blog and Facebook page, the Zanesville store will re-open at 9am Monday morning, at which time all Black Friday deals will be honored for customers.