Family Sues Dollar Tree for Over $50M After Woman Found Dead in Freezer

The family of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez alleges the store was negligent in failing to prevent her from accessing the freezer.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The family of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old woman who was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami, is suing the retail chain for more than $50 million in damages. The family claims Dollar Tree was negligent in failing to prevent Sanchez from accessing the store's freezer, where she was found dead on December 14, 2025 after entering the previous night.

Why it matters

This tragic incident raises concerns about safety protocols and security measures at retail stores, especially in regards to restricted employee-only areas that customers should not be able to access. The lawsuit also highlights the need for better mental health support and crisis intervention to prevent such devastating outcomes.

The details

According to authorities, Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store on December 13 without making a purchase and then went to a restricted employee-only area, where she climbed into the freezer and stayed overnight. An employee found her dead inside the freezer the next morning. Sanchez's family claims the store's manager was aware she was missing and failed to take action to locate or assist her.

  • On December 13, 2025, Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store.
  • On December 14, 2025, Sanchez was found dead inside the store's freezer.

The players

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez

A 32-year-old woman who was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami.

Dollar Tree

The retail chain being sued by Sanchez's family for over $50 million in damages.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know how this happened either, and we're not getting any answers.”

— Daniela Cortez, Sanchez's cousin (New York Post)

“Her compassion, skill and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character. Beyond her profession, she was a loving mother to two children, who remain in Nicaragua and were the center of her world. Her strength, warmth and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered.”

— Stefany Pereira (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages of more than $50 million from Dollar Tree.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for retail stores to have robust safety protocols and security measures in place, especially for restricted employee-only areas, in order to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also underscores the importance of providing adequate mental health support and crisis intervention to vulnerable individuals.