Miami, Florida — Authorities are investigating a disturbing and unusual death after a woman was found deceased inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood early Sunday morning. The woman has been identified as 32-year-old Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a medical doctor originally from Nicaragua.
Police say the discovery was made shortly after the store opened, prompting an immediate response and a temporary closure of the business while investigators examined the scene.
Body discovered during store opening hours
According to the Miami Police Department, an employee reported finding a deceased woman inside the store around 8 a.m. Sunday while preparing to open for business. Officers arrived at the Dollar Tree location and located the woman inside a walk-in freezer/cooler in the stockroom area, which is typically restricted to employees.
“The female was located inside a walk-in freezer/cooler located in the store’s stockroom,” said Miami Police Public Information Officer Michael Vega.
Authorities confirmed the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reports say victim was found unclothed
According to multiple media reports citing police scanner traffic, the woman was found naked inside the freezer. Dispatch audio reportedly described the situation as a “naked female in the cooler of the store.”
Police have not publicly explained why the woman may have been unclothed or how long she had been inside the freezer before being discovered.
No foul play indicated, police say
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage from the store say there is no evidence of foul play at this time. Authorities have not announced any arrests and stated that the incident does not appear criminal in nature.
However, officials emphasized that the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine how and why Sanchez entered the stockroom area and what led to her death.
The cause of death has not yet been publicly released, and an autopsy is expected to provide additional clarity.
Victim identified as anesthesiologist
Friends and family identified the woman as Dr. Helen Garay, an anesthesiologist who specialized in congenital heart disease. According to online fundraising efforts, she was visiting the United States and was originally from Nicaragua, where her two children currently live.
A GoFundMe page set up by loved ones describes her death as a tragic accident and seeks support to return her body to her home country.
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“Dr. Helen Garay passed away following a tragic accident while abroad,” the fundraiser states. “Her family’s greatest wish is to bring her back to Nicaragua for a proper funeral and final resting place.”
As of Monday evening, more than $9,000 had been raised to assist with repatriation and funeral costs.
Store temporarily closed, later reopened
The Dollar Tree location remained closed for several hours Sunday while police conducted their investigation. The store later reopened after authorities cleared the scene, according to local reports.
Police say there is no ongoing threat to the public, but they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not yet explained why Sanchez was inside the store before opening hours or how she accessed the stockroom freezer. Further details are expected pending autopsy results and continued investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Miami Police.
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