Cause of Death Revealed for Mom of 2 Found Dead in Dollar Tree Freezer

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez died from environmental hypothermia with ethanol use as a contributing factor, according to the medical examiner.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old mother of two, was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami on December 14, 2025. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled that Sanchez's cause of death was environmental hypothermia, with ethanol use as a contributory factor. Sanchez's ethanol levels were found to be above the legal limit to drive.

Why it matters

This tragic incident raises questions about store safety protocols and the need for better mental health and substance abuse support in the community. Sanchez's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dollar Tree, claiming the store was negligent in not preventing her from accessing the freezer.

The details

Authorities say Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store on December 13, 2025 without making any purchases, and then went to an employee-only area and stayed inside the freezer overnight. She was found deceased in the freezer by an employee around 8:00 a.m. the following morning. The medical examiner determined that Sanchez's cause of death was environmental hypothermia, with ethanol use as a contributory factor.

  • On December 13, 2025, Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store and stayed inside the freezer overnight.
  • On December 14, 2025, Sanchez was found deceased in the freezer by a store employee around 8:00 a.m.
  • On February 11, 2026, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Sanchez's cause of death as environmental hypothermia, with ethanol use as a contributory factor.

The players

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez

A 32-year-old mother of two from Nicaragua who worked as a doctor and was found dead inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami.

Dollar Tree

The discount store chain where Sanchez was found dead inside a freezer.

Dollar Tree store manager

The manager of the specific Dollar Tree store location where Sanchez was found dead, who is named as a defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Sanchez's family.

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What they’re saying

“This is why we know there was no foul play. She went into the freezer on her own.”

— Police spokesperson (PEOPLE)

“We are aware of this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the individual's family and loved ones.”

— Dollar Tree spokesperson (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Sanchez's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Miami-Dade County against Dollar Tree and the location's manager, seeking over $50 million in damages. The lawsuit claims Dollar Tree was negligent in not preventing Sanchez from accessing the store's freezer.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for improved safety protocols and better mental health and substance abuse support in retail environments. It also underscores the importance of companies taking responsibility for the wellbeing of customers and employees on their premises.