A 32-year-old doctor was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami, and the unusual circumstances surrounding her death have left investigators searching for answers. The Miami Police Department said a worker at the Little Havana location discovered the woman’s body when the store opened at 8:00 a.m. Sunday.
Police identified the victim as Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, an anesthesiologist who specialized in congenital heart disease, according to Fox News. Officers confirmed she was found inside a walk-in freezer located in the store’s restricted stockroom area, which is not accessible to customers.
Details surrounding her death remain deeply puzzling. Police scanner reports indicated that Dr. Sanchez was found naked inside the freezer. Dispatch audio included the statement, “Complainant found a naked female in the cooler of the store.” Her presence in a restricted area, inside a freezer, and without clothing has raised numerous unanswered questions.
Surveillance footage shows no signs of foul play
Despite the alarming circumstances, police said surveillance footage shows no evidence of foul play. Investigators are still working to determine why Dr. Sanchez entered the restricted stockroom area. Authorities have not explained what the footage shows, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Dr. Sanchez was originally from Nicaragua and was visiting the United States when she died on Dec. 14, 2025. She is survived by two children who live in Nicaragua. She worked as an anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease, a highly specialized and critical field. Her death comes at a time when medical professionals have faced increased public attention, including controversy tied to political statements made by some doctors.
Family members and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help return her body to Nicaragua. The page describes her death as “a tragic accident while abroad” and says the family hopes to hold a proper funeral in her home country. Funds are being raised to cover repatriation, transportation, and funeral expenses.
As of Monday evening, about $9,200 had been raised to support Dr. Sanchez’s family. The Dollar Tree store closed immediately after the discovery to allow police to investigate and later reopened the same day. The incident has left employees and members of the community shaken.
Police have not released additional details about the surveillance footage that led them to rule out foul play. For now, the circumstances surrounding Dr. Sanchez’s death remain a mystery.
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