Anesthesiologist Mom of 2 Dies Inside Dollar Tree Freezer

Autopsy finds hypothermia and alcohol as causes of death in tragic incident

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 32-year-old Florida anesthesiologist and mother of two, Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, was found dead inside a freezer at a Miami Dollar Tree store. The autopsy report states that Sanchez died of environmental hypothermia, with alcohol use as a contributing factor. Her family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Dollar Tree, alleging negligence and failure to assist Sanchez after she became trapped in the freezer.

Why it matters

This tragic incident raises concerns about safety protocols and procedures in retail stores, especially regarding access to potentially dangerous areas like freezers. It also highlights the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need for businesses to have effective measures in place to locate and assist customers who may become trapped or unaccounted for.

The details

According to the autopsy report, Sanchez had blunt force injuries, including contusions and abrasions, in addition to the hypothermia and alcohol in her system. The lawsuit alleges that the store manager instructed an employee not to review surveillance footage after Sanchez was reported missing, and failed to take reasonable action to locate and assist her. The lawsuit also claims the freezer lacked adequate safety mechanisms to prevent entrapment.

  • Sanchez was found dead inside the Dollar Tree freezer on December 14, 2025.
  • The autopsy report was obtained by Law&Crime in February 2026.

The players

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez

A 32-year-old Florida anesthesiologist and mother of two who died inside a Dollar Tree freezer.

Yanelkis Gonzalez

The Dollar Tree store manager who allegedly instructed an employee not to review surveillance footage after Sanchez was reported missing.

Dollar Tree

The discount retail chain where the incident occurred, and which is being sued by Sanchez's family for negligence.

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What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Sanchez's family against Dollar Tree is ongoing, and the court will determine whether the store was negligent in its handling of the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for businesses to have robust safety protocols and procedures in place, especially regarding access to potentially dangerous areas. It also underscores the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the duty of care businesses have towards their customers.