Over a month after the tragic discovery of Helen Massiell Garay Sánchez's body in a Dollar Tree freezer in Miami, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office has released an autopsy report that sheds light on the final moments of the young Nicaraguan mother.
The official report, referenced by local media, indicates that the cause of death was "environmental hypothermia," meaning a significant drop in body temperature due to exposure to extremely cold conditions.
An intriguing detail from the report is the mention of ethanol consumption as a "contributing factor," with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.112%, exceeding the legal limit for driving.
Ethanol was also detected in her vitreous humor at a level of 0.156%, reinforcing the theory that Garay Sánchez had consumed alcohol prior to entering the freezer.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F), potentially leading to heart failure, respiratory arrest, and death if not treated promptly.
The Events Leading Up to the Discovery
The discovery on the morning of December 14, 2025, shocked the Hispanic community in South Florida and sparked an ongoing legal controversy.
Security footage and event reconstruction reveal that Helen Garay Sánchez entered the Dollar Tree store located at 968 Southwest 8th Street in Miami on December 13, shortly before closing time.
She did not make any purchases. Instead, she accessed—under circumstances yet unexplained—a restricted employee area and subsequently entered the back storage freezer.
Her body, found unclothed inside the freezer by an employee around 8:00 a.m. the following day, was a distressing discovery.
Police quickly ruled out foul play, stating that "she entered the freezer alone" and there were no signs of criminal activity.
They also dismissed any suggestion that she suffered from a mental condition that could explain her actions.
A police source confirmed the freezer had an emergency exit mechanism, yet there is no evidence that Sánchez attempted to use it or was capable of doing so given her condition.
Who Was Helen Massiell Garay Sánchez?
Helen Massiell Garay Sánchez was an anesthesiologist in Nicaragua, specializing in congenital heart diseases, and was visiting the United States at the time.
She was married and the mother of two young children who remain in her home country.
Her family and friends describe her as having "devoted her life to medicine," with a remarkable commitment to pediatric patients.
"She brought hope and healing to countless children and families," reads a GoFundMe page created to assist with repatriation and funeral expenses.
Legal Action for Negligence
Following the incident, Garay Sánchez's family filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Dollar Tree chain and the store manager.
The legal document argues that she was accidentally trapped in the freezer and that the company failed to take reasonable measures to prevent unauthorized access to high-risk areas.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims the manager was "formally notified" that Sánchez was missing and had not left the store, yet no actions were taken to search for her or inspect the premises.
The complaint accuses Dollar Tree of not implementing "reasonable safety protocols" to protect customers from "foreseeable risks of harm" like industrial freezers. It also seeks compensation for funeral, repatriation, and legal expenses.
Dollar Tree's Response and the Closure of the Police Investigation
In public statements, the company has maintained a stance of caution.
"We are aware of this tragic incident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and loved ones. We are fully cooperating with the authorities," they reiterated to various media outlets.
Although the criminal investigation found no evidence of foul play or direct criminal liability, the civil proceedings continue and could set a precedent regarding store responsibilities for customer access to restricted areas.
Unanswered Questions
While the autopsy and security footage have clarified several key aspects of the case, questions remain:
Why did Sánchez enter the freezer?
Was she in an altered state of consciousness due to alcohol?
Was she aware of the emergency exit mechanism?
Was there negligence in not securing dangerous areas from public access?
These are some of the questions that will need to be resolved in court as Helen Garay Sánchez's family seeks justice from Nicaragua.
FAQs about the Tragic Incident in Miami Dollar Tree
What was the cause of Helen Garay Sánchez's death?
The cause of death was determined to be environmental hypothermia, with ethanol consumption as a contributing factor.
What legal actions have been taken following the incident?
The family has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Dollar Tree and the store manager, alleging negligence and failure to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
Did the police find any signs of foul play?
The police investigation found no evidence of foul play or direct criminal liability.
How has Dollar Tree responded to the incident?
Dollar Tree has expressed condolences to the family and stated they are fully cooperating with authorities.