A tragic incident unfolded on December 14, 2025, when 32-year-old Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Garay Sanchez, an anesthesiologist from Nicaragua and a mother of two, was visiting her father at the time of her untimely death.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Garay Sanchez’s death, which has been classified as an “unclassified death.” Authorities are awaiting further details before determining the official cause and manner of death. The initial investigation by the Miami Police Department indicated that foul play is not suspected.
According to reports, Garay Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree shortly before it closed on Saturday evening, December 13. Surveillance footage shows her walking into the back storage area of the store, but she did not make any purchases. The following morning, an employee discovered her body around 8 a.m. in what was described as a freezer or cooler.
In light of this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Stefany Pereira to assist in repatriating Garay Sanchez’s body to her home in Nicaragua for proper funeral services. The campaign has gained significant support, raising nearly $18,000 of its $20,000 goal as of December 18. Pereira expressed that the family wants to honor Garay Sanchez’s memory and her legacy of strength and love.
Dollar Tree has expressed its condolences and stated that the company is cooperating with ongoing investigations. As the inquiry continues, the local community and Garay Sanchez’s family remain hopeful for answers surrounding this saddening incident.