How did Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez die?

Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez died from environmental hypothermia, with her high blood alcohol level identified as a contributing factor.

Why is Dr. Sanchez's family suing Dollar Tree?

The family is suing Dollar Tree for over $50 million, alleging that she became trapped in the store's walk-in freezer and that the manager failed to take adequate action to find her.

What was the blood alcohol level found in Dr. Sanchez's autopsy?

The autopsy report indicated that Dr. Sanchez had a blood ethanol level of 0.112 percent at the time of her death.

Home / Crime and Justice / Dollar Tree Freezer Death: Anesthesiologist Found Dead

Dollar Tree Freezer Death: Anesthesiologist Found Dead

12 Feb

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Summary

Anesthesiologist found dead in a Dollar Tree freezer.
Autopsy revealed high blood alcohol level as contributing factor.
Family seeks over $50 million in damages from Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree Freezer Death: Anesthesiologist Found Dead

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Dollar Tree following the tragic discovery of Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a Nicaraguan anesthesiologist, deceased in a Miami store's freezer. The 32-year-old mother of two was found unresponsive in a restricted employee area on December 14, 2025, having entered the store the previous evening.

Her autopsy revealed a blood ethanol level of 0.112 percent, exceeding the legal limit, and listed environmental hypothermia as the cause of death, with alcohol use as a contributory factor. No other drugs were found in her system. Investigators initially considered her state of mind, unsure if she entered the freezer intentionally or accidentally.

Video evidence reportedly showed Dr. Sanchez entering the employee-only area alone. The lawsuit claims she became trapped and that the store manager failed to take reasonable action to locate her after being notified she was missing. An emergency release was present on the freezer door, allowing it to be opened from the inside.