However, some studies have found that "emotional stressors such as worry, anxiety and anger may cause seizures, especially if combined with fatigue or chronic sleep loss," the Foundation continues. Four studies have cited sleep deprivation as the second-most common reported seizure precipitant. That certainly sounds like the conditions described by Erhardt's BofA peers.

Bank of American has cautioned against speculation. "All the rumors and comments are just that, we will have to wait and see what the post-mortem examination says," a spokesman said. Though, one anonymous BofA banker suggested no one forced Erhardt to work so hard as to put his health in jeopardy. "People are fully aware that banking is hard work and the company constantly reminds you to manage upwards in order to not overheat," he told The Independent. "This is the first time I've heard of something like this happening and banking is a very close culture," further distancing the company culture from the cause of death.

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