Family Sues Dollar Tree for $50M After Miami Freezer Death

Lawsuit alleges negligence by store manager in death of 32-year-old anesthesiologist found frozen in walk-in freezer.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The family of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old anesthesiologist found dead in a Miami Dollar Tree store's walk-in freezer, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the retailer. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the store manager, Yanelkys Gonzalez, who the family claims failed to follow proper closing procedures and ensure no customers remained inside the store after hours. Sanchez's body was discovered the following morning, and police have found no evidence of forced entry or assault, leaving the circumstances surrounding her death unclear.

Why it matters

This tragic incident raises broader concerns about safety protocols in retail environments, particularly regarding access to potentially dangerous areas like commercial freezers. The lawsuit could set a precedent for future cases involving negligence in retail settings, underscoring the importance of businesses prioritizing customer safety and implementing robust security measures.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store on an evening in December and was discovered the following morning by an employee. She was found naked and deceased inside the freezer. The family alleges that the store manager, Yanelkys Gonzalez, was aware a customer hadn't left the store but failed to take appropriate action, such as checking security footage, searching the premises, or following standard closing procedures designed to ensure no customers remain inside after closing.

  • Sanchez entered the Dollar Tree store on an evening in December.
  • Sanchez's body was discovered the following morning by an employee.

The players

Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez

A 32-year-old anesthesiologist who was found dead in the walk-in freezer of a Miami Dollar Tree store.

Yanelkys Gonzalez

The store manager of the Miami Dollar Tree store where Sanchez was found dead.

Dollar Tree

The retail chain where the incident occurred and is being sued by Sanchez's family.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that no customer is ever left behind in a retail environment, and that proper safety protocols are followed to prevent such tragedies.”

— Family spokesperson

What’s next

The lawsuit against Dollar Tree could set a precedent for future cases involving negligence in retail settings, potentially leading to stricter safety regulations and improved employee training protocols across the industry.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of retail businesses prioritizing customer safety and implementing comprehensive security measures, including effective CCTV coverage, robust alarm systems, and thorough employee training on emergency protocols. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences, as seen in this tragic case.