Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, Doctor and Mother of Two, Found Dead Inside Dollar Tree Freezer in Miami

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old doctor and mother of two originally from Nicaragua, was found dead inside a Dollar Tree store freezer in Miami on Sunday, prompting an ongoing death investigation by police.

According to the Miami Police Department, an employee at the Dollar Tree’s Little Havana location discovered a deceased woman inside the business shortly after opening at 8 a.m. Officers responded to the scene and identified the woman as Sanchez.

Body Found in Store Stockroom Freezer

Police said Sanchez was located inside a walk-in freezer/cooler in the store’s stockroom, an area not accessible to the public. Miami Police Public Information Officer Michael Vega confirmed the location of the discovery.

CBS News, citing police scanner traffic, reported that Sanchez was found unclothed at the time her body was discovered. Dispatch audio reportedly described a “naked female in the cooler of the store,” though authorities have not publicly elaborated on that detail.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials said surveillance footage did not immediately indicate foul play, but the circumstances surrounding Sanchez’s death remain under investigation. Police have not yet explained why she entered the restricted stockroom area or how long she may have been inside the freezer.

The Dollar Tree location temporarily closed during the investigation but later reopened Sunday, according to reports. The company has not publicly commented on the incident.

Remembering Helen Garay Sanchez

According to a GoFundMe page organized by friends and family, Sanchez was an anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease. She was living in the United States while her two children reside in Nicaragua.

“Dr. Helen Garay passed away following a tragic accident while abroad,” the fundraiser states. “Her family’s greatest wish is to bring her back to Nicaragua for a proper funeral and final resting place, surrounded by her loved ones.”

As of Monday evening, more than $9,200 had been raised to help cover repatriation, transportation, and funeral expenses.

The investigation into Sanchez’s death remains active, and police say additional details will be released as they become available.