Sudden death of bank intern in London sparks talk of overwork

LONDON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The sudden death of a student working as an intern at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London has led to Internet speculation he worked punishing hours.

The bank released little information about Moritz Erhardt's death, saying only it was under investigation, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Erhardt, 21, was a student at WHU -- Otto Beisheim School of Management near Koblenz in Germany and had just completed an exchange year at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He was living at Claredale House, a student hostel in East London, during his seven-week internship.

Posts on wallstreetoasis.com and other online sites suggested Erhardt frequently worked through the night.

"It is absolutely true: he lived in Claredale House and he was found dead in the shower by his flatmate," a poster who used the name Magnum said. "Intern at BAML who went home at 6am three days in a row. I saw the ambulance and people crying in the courtyard and did not understand what was going on."

The bank released a statement calling Erhardt "a highly diligent intern with our company with a promising future." A spokesman called speculation about his death "premature," and said interns have mentors and "buddies" and that a staffing officer makes sure no one is given too much work.

The Metropolitan Police said there was no suggestion of foul play.