Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a Nicaraguan anesthesiologist and mother of two, was found dead inside a Dollar Tree freezer in Miami on Dec. 14. Authorities say she entered a restricted employee area and remained inside the freezer overnight; no foul play is suspected and the death is listed as unclassified while investigators continue to probe. Family members say they have few answers and have launched a GoFundMe to repatriate her remains to Nicaragua for funeral arrangements.
Family Seeks Answers After Nicaraguan Doctor Found Dead in Dollar Tree Freezer in Miami
GoFundMeHelen Massiell Garay Sanchez
Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a Nicaraguan anesthesiologist and mother of two, was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami on Dec. 14, according to authorities and family members.
Officers responded to reports of a deceased woman at the Dollar Tree located at 968 SW 8th St. and discovered Sanchez’s body inside a freezer within the store. Local outlets WTVJ and WPLG reported that investigators believe Sanchez entered the store without making a purchase, accessed a restricted employee-only area and remained inside the freezer overnight before being found by an employee the following morning.
GoFundMeHelen Massiell Garay Sanchez
Police Statement: The Miami Police Department said no foul play is suspected and described the case as an unclassified death while the investigation continues. Authorities have not released an official cause of death as inquiries proceed.
Store Response: "We are aware of this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the individual’s family and loved ones," a Dollar Tree spokesperson told PEOPLE, adding that the company is cooperating fully with investigators.
Dr. Helen Garay/FacebookHelen Massiell Garay Sanchez
Family Reaction: Sanchez’s relatives say they remain confused and frustrated. "We don’t know how this happened either, and we’re not getting any answers," her cousin Daniela Cortez told the New York Post. Family members have urged authorities to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding Sanchez’s death so they can understand what happened and make arrangements.
Legacy and Repatriation Effort: Sanchez was a mother of two and worked as an anesthesiologist who, according to a GoFundMe created by Stefany Pereira, dedicated her career to pediatric care. The fundraiser states the children remain in Nicaragua and that the family’s priority is to repatriate Sanchez’s remains for a proper funeral and burial close to relatives. Funds are being raised to cover repatriation, transportation and funeral expenses.
Ongoing Investigation: Investigators continue to examine how Sanchez accessed the employee-only area and why she remained in the freezer overnight. Officials and the family have not released further findings; the community has expressed sympathy and some have donated to the GoFundMe to help the family.
Sources: Miami Police Department, local news reports (WTVJ, WPLG), PEOPLE, New York Post, and the GoFundMe page organized by Stefany Pereira.
