Image Source: Miami Herald
In a shocking incident that has left many unanswered questions, Dr. Helen Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old anesthesiologist, was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami. The unfortunate event unfolded on December 14, 2025, when Sanchez was believed to have wandered into the freezer shortly before the store closed.
Details on the Discovery at Dollar Tree
Miami police reported that Sanchez was last captured on surveillance footage entering the freezer of the Dollar Tree located in Little Havana just before closing time at 10 p.m. on December 13. The next morning, an employee discovered her body inside the freezer at around 8 a.m.
The family is left heartbroken and confused, with her cousin, Daniela Cortez, expressing their collective bewilderment. “The thing is that even the family has a lot of questions,” she stated. “We don’t know how this happened either. And we’re not getting any answers.”
Investigation Status and Concerns
As the investigation continues, the Miami police have indicated that they found no signs of foul play. Consequently, they are categorizing the incident as an undetermined or “unclassified death.” The circumstances surrounding Sanchez’s death are particularly puzzling to both her family and the public. They are questioning whether this incident was a tragic accident—potentially involving an ordeal known as “paradoxical undressing,” where individuals become disoriented in extreme cold and remove their clothing—or an act of foul play.
Stefany Pereira, who set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover the necessary costs for repatriation to Nicaragua, reminisced about Dr. Sanchez’s legacy. “Dr. Garay dedicated her life to medicine, earning recognition as an anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease whose work brought hope and healing to countless children and their families,” she wrote. So far, the campaign has raised over $18,000, showcasing the impact Sanchez had on many lives.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns
The incident has shocked shoppers and residents in the area. Many are grappling with the idea that such a tragic event could transpire in a place like Dollar Tree, a common shopping location. A shopper nearby commented, “I would never believe, in a Dollar Tree, you would find a dead body. I’m totally in shock.”
Dollar Tree representatives have responded to the incident, emphasizing that they are cooperating fully with authorities during the investigation, showing their commitment to support the family and community during this distressing time.
The Search for Answers Continues
As investigators await further findings from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s report, Dr. Sanchez’s family is left to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding her passing. The hours, days, and potentially weeks ahead may foster further speculation, with unanswered questions hovering over the Miami community.
Dr. Helen Garay Sanchez was remembered as a dedicated physician who devoted her life to helping others. Her tragic and untimely death raises vital questions not only about safety in retail spaces but also about the support systems in place for those who may be vulnerable in sudden, unexpected situations.
Until the investigation concludes, the mystery remains unresolved. Sanchez’s family will be hoping for clarity as they attempt to navigate through their grief, alongside the many who were touched by her life and work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Dr. Helen Garay Sanchez?
Dr. Helen Garay Sanchez was found dead in a Dollar Tree walk-in freezer on December 14, 2025, under mysterious circumstances.
Is there an ongoing investigation into her death?
Yes, Miami police are investigating her death, which is currently classified as an undetermined or unclassified death.
Was foul play suspected in this incident?
As of now, investigators have found no signs of foul play, but the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.
How is the community reacting to this incident?
The local community is shocked, expressing disbelief that such an event could occur in a typical shopping location like Dollar Tree.
What efforts are being made to support her family?
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help with repatriation costs and support the family in the wake of this tragedy.
