A 32-year-old woman was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in South Florida, authorities said.
According to the Miami Police Department, officers responded to the Dollar Tree located at 968 SW 8th St. at 8 a.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 14, after an employee reported discovering a deceased woman inside the business.
When officers arrived, they found the woman’s body in a freezer inside the store. Police identified her as Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, 32.
Investigators said they are awaiting the medical examiner’s report. At this time, police do not believe foul play was involved, though the investigation into her death remains ongoing.
Police said Sanchez entered the store before it closed on Saturday, Dec. 13, but did not make a purchase, according to NBC affiliate WTVJ and WPLG. She then allegedly went into a restricted employee-only area and entered the freezer, where she stayed overnight. An employee reportedly found her the following morning.
The Dollar Tree did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sanchez, a doctor from Nicaragua, was remembered in a GoFundMe created to support her family following her death. The fundraiser describes her as an anesthesiologist who specialized in congenital heart disease and credits her with bringing care and hope to children and families.
The organizer, Stefany Pereira, wrote that Sanchez’s compassion, skill, and dedication shaped both her work and the way people knew her personally. Pereira also said loved ones are working to bring Sanchez’s body back to Nicaragua, where her two children live, so she can be laid to rest among family.
As of Monday, Dec. 15, the fundraiser had received more than $3,200 in donations. Pereira thanked supporters for their prayers and kindness during what she described as a painful time for the family.
