Miami Doctor Found Dead in Dollar Tree Freezer; Authorities See No Foul Play
MIAMI, Fla. — The body of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old anesthesiologist originally from Nicaragua, was found Sunday morning inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. According to the Miami Police Department, Sanchez was discovered naked in the store’s stockroom freezer by an employee during opening hours at 8 a.m. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected in her death, though the circumstances remain unclear.
Public Information Officer Michael Vega confirmed the discovery and noted that surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed no signs of suspicious activity leading up to the incident. The Miami Police Department continues to investigate to determine how Sanchez entered the restricted stockroom area of the discount retailer.
Sanchez was a specialist in congenital heart disease anesthesia and had been visiting the United States from Nicaragua. Friends and family have established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for repatriating her body to Nicaragua, where her two children reside. The page describes her passing as a tragic accident and emphasizes the family’s wish to provide a proper funeral and final resting place surrounded by loved ones.
Dollar Tree temporarily closed the Little Havana location during the investigation but reopened later Sunday, according to reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The company has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The Miami Police Department’s handling of the case aligns with protocols outlined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for suspicious deaths, ensuring thorough evidence collection and review of surveillance footage to rule out criminal activity. While no foul play is currently suspected, the investigation remains open pending further findings.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Miami Police Department. The case has drawn attention to safety measures in retail environments and raised questions about access to restricted areas.
Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez’s death is a somber reminder of the unexpected tragedies that can occur even in everyday settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that accidental deaths in public or commercial spaces, while rare, require careful investigation to ensure public safety and prevent future incidents.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated medical professional and mother, efforts continue to support her family and honor her memory with dignity.
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