Miami, Florida — A 32-year-old physician from Nicaragua was discovered deceased inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store, igniting a police investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez was found by an employee around 8 a.m. on December 14, 2025, at the Dollar Tree located in the Little Havana neighborhood. Upon responding to the report, Miami police confirmed the recovery of Sanchez’s body from the back storage area, specifically in one of the freezers.
Investigators reviewed security footage and determined that Sanchez had entered the store shortly before it closed on December 13. Although she did not make any purchases, she entered a restricted area meant for employees and remained there overnight. Tragically, authorities reported that her body was found unclothed.
The Miami Police Department has labeled the case as an unclassified death, with no indication of foul play so far. As the investigation unfolds, detectives are considering mental health factors in conjunction with awaiting insights from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner.
Daniela Cortez, Sanchez’s cousin, expressed her family’s anguish over the lack of clear answers. “No one understands how this happened, and we are desperate for information,” she said.
Sanchez was a dedicated mother of two and a specialist in congenital heart disease, visiting relatives in Miami while her children stayed behind in Nicaragua. In acknowledgment of her contributions to medicine and her work with affected children, Stefany Pereira initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising $20,000 to cover the expenses of repatriating Sanchez’s body and arranging funeral services in Nicaragua. As of now, the campaign has amassed approximately $18,000.
Dollar Tree has publicly stated that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement personnel investigating the incident, though the company has refrained from sharing further details about security protocols at the store.
Local residents have raised concerns regarding store safety and access protocols following the discover of Sanchez’s body in a frequented retail environment. Many expressed shock and distress over the dark turn of events in their community.
As the investigation continues, Miami police are sorting through evidence and conducting interviews to uncover more information surrounding Sanchez’s final hours. Meanwhile, her family grapples with profound sorrow as they seek the closure that comes from bringing her home to Nicaragua, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones.
The forthcoming report from the medical examiner is anticipated to shed light on the cause and manner of death, crucial for comprehending the series of events leading to this heartbreaking loss.