A tragic incident in Miami has raised serious questions after a young doctor was found dead inside a store freezer. What initially appeared to be a shocking accident has now led to a major lawsuit against the company involved. The case has deeply affected her family, colleagues, and the wider community.
Here is a clear breakdown of what happened and where the case stands now.
Florida Doctor Found Dead Inside Dollar Tree Freezer
According to the medical examiner’s office, 32-year-old Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez died in December 2025 after becoming trapped inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami.
Police responded to the store, located at 968 SW 8th Street in Little Havana, after an employee reported finding a deceased woman inside a walk-in freezer.
Officers said there were no immediate signs of foul play. However, how she ended up inside the employee-only freezer area remains unclear.
Autopsy Report Reveals Cause of Death
The official autopsy report confirmed that Sanchez died due to environmental hypothermia. The report also listed “ethanol use” as a contributing factor.
Her toxicology results showed a blood alcohol level of 0.112%, which is above Florida’s legal driving limit of 0.08%.
Medical examiners also noted blunt force injuries, including:
- Bruises on her forearm, hand, hips, and lower body
- Abrasions on her abdomen and limbs
Authorities have stated that the injuries were consistent with an accidental situation, and no foul play was suspected at the time of investigation.
Lawsuit Filed Against Dollar Tree
Despite police saying no crime was suspected, Sanchez’s family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Dollar Tree.
In the legal complaint, the family claims the store and its staff were negligent. They allege that:
- A manager instructed employees not to review surveillance footage after she was reported missing
- Staff failed to check whether all customers had left before closing
- The freezer lacked proper safety mechanisms such as an internal emergency release or alarm
- Employees did not prevent customers from accessing restricted areas
The lawsuit argues that the company had a duty to ensure customer safety, especially around potentially dangerous areas like walk-in freezers.
Questions About Store Policies and Safety
According to the complaint, Sanchez entered the store on a Saturday night before closing time and did not make any purchases. She was allegedly seen walking toward the back storage area where the freezer was located.
The family claims the store manager failed to take reasonable action when concerns were raised about her whereabouts.
They also argue that proper closing procedures should have ensured all customers had exited the store before locking up.
Dollar Tree management has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Remembering Helen Sanchez
Sanchez was described by loved ones as a devoted mother and dedicated doctor. She was an anesthesiologist specialising in congenital heart disease and had earned recognition for her work with children.
Originally from Nicaragua, she leaves behind two young children who live there.
A GoFundMe page created for her family describes her as:
- Compassionate and hardworking
- Deeply committed to medicine
- A loving and devoted mother
- Someone who brought hope to many families
Her sudden death has left her family grieving and seeking answers.
A Case That Raises Serious Concerns
While authorities have ruled out foul play, the lawsuit highlights larger questions about public safety inside retail stores. Walk-in freezers and restricted areas can pose serious risks if not properly secured or monitored.
This case is not only about one tragic accident. It is also about accountability, safety measures, and responsibility. A young mother and medical professional lost her life in circumstances that many believe could have been prevented.
As legal proceedings move forward, the court will determine whether the company failed in its duty of care. For now, a family continues to mourn the loss of a woman remembered for her dedication to healing others and her deep love for her children.
