A family is seeking answers following the tragic and mysterious death of a mother. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old mother of two from Nicaragua, was discovered in a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in the US. Although there is no indication of foul play, a toxicology report revealed that she had a blood-alcohol level exceeding the legal driving limit. Her cause of death was determined to be environmental hypothermia with ethanol as a contributing factor.
Her body was found on December 14, and her family has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Dollar Tree and the store manager, alleging negligence in ensuring customer safety. Despite entering the store the day before her body was found, she did not make any purchases. Her unclothed body was found by an employee the following morning in the freezer, which reportedly had no blockage on the door and an emergency release mechanism.
Miami police initially were uncertain about the circumstances leading to her entering the freezer. The family claims the store manager failed to take appropriate action despite being informed of her disappearance. Surveillance footage confirmed that she entered the freezer on her own accord. An officer also ruled out mental illness as a contributing factor in her death.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family. Helen, an anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease, was described as bringing hope and healing to many children and families. The family is seeking funds for repatriation, transportation, and funeral costs in Nicaragua.
Dollar Tree expressed condolences and stated full cooperation with the investigation. They acknowledged the tragic incident and extended sympathies to the family.
