Cause of Death Revealed for Doctor Found Dead and Naked in Miami Dollar Tree Freezer

The medical examiner determined the doctor's death was due to environmental hypothermia with alcohol use as a contributing factor.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The cause of death for 32-year-old Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, who was found dead and naked inside a walk-in freezer at a Miami Dollar Tree store in December, has been revealed. According to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, Sanchez died of environmental hypothermia, with ethanol use (alcohol) being a contributory cause. Sanchez, an anesthesiologist from Nicaragua who specialized in congenital heart disease, may have taken her clothes off after becoming confused and disoriented as the hypothermia set in.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Dr. Sanchez, a dedicated medical professional who helped countless children and families, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her presence in the restricted employee-only area of the Dollar Tree store and the role alcohol may have played in her demise. This case highlights the dangers of environmental hypothermia and the need for greater awareness and precautions in public spaces.

The details

Sanchez reportedly entered the Dollar Tree store the night before she was found deceased, but made no purchases and was discovered in an area designated for employees only. Authorities initially said no foul play was suspected. The medical examiner's report revealed that Sanchez's toxicology showed ethanol levels of 0.112%, and the cause of death was determined to be environmental hypothermia, with the alcohol use being a contributory factor. Experts suggest Sanchez may have removed her clothes as the hypothermia set in, leading to her being found naked in the freezer.

  • Sanchez was found deceased in the Dollar Tree freezer in December 2025.
  • The cause of death was revealed by the medical examiner's office on February 14, 2026.

The players

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez

A 32-year-old anesthesiologist from Nicaragua who specialized in congenital heart disease and dedicated her career to helping children and families.

Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that conducted the autopsy and determined the cause of death for Dr. Sanchez.

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What they’re saying

“Originally from Nicaragua, Dr. Garay dedicated her life to medicine, earning recognition as a Anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease whose work brought hope and healing to countless children and families.”

— Sanchez Family (GoFundMe)

“Her compassion, skill, and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character.”

— Sanchez Family (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The Sanchez family's greatest wish is to bring Dr. Helen Garay back to Nicaragua so she may receive a proper funeral and final resting place surrounded by loved ones.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the dangers of environmental hypothermia and the need for greater awareness and precautions in public spaces, especially when alcohol use may be a contributing factor. Dr. Sanchez's compassionate dedication to medicine and her family will be remembered, and her family's efforts to honor her memory are a poignant reminder of the profound impact she had on those around her.