Police in Miami, Florida, are investigating a baffling case after the body of a young doctor was discovered inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store. The incident, which occurred in the city's Little Havana neighbourhood, has been classified as an "unclassified death" due to the unclear circumstances.
Startling Discovery by Store Employee
The grim discovery was made around 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2025, by an employee at the discount store. According to police scanner audio obtained by CBS News, the complainant reported finding a naked female inside the store's cooler. The staff further indicated they did not recognize the woman.
The victim was later identified as Dr. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, 32. Authorities have released few details about how she came to be in the freezer or the state of the scene, leaving a shroud of mystery over the case.
A Life Dedicated to Healing Young Hearts
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Dr. Garay's family paints a picture of a dedicated medical professional and devoted mother. Originally from Nicaragua, Dr. Garay was an anesthesiologist who specialized in congenital heart disease.
"Her compassion, skill, and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character," the fundraising page states. The family described her passing as a "tragic accident while abroad." It remains unclear whether Dr. Garay was a resident of Florida or the United States at the time of her death.
The fundraiser, aimed at covering repatriation, transportation, and funeral expenses to bring her body back to Nicaragua, had garnered more than $13,000 by Tuesday afternoon following the discovery.
An Ongoing Mystery with Few Answers
As of now, the Miami Police Department has not released any information regarding potential suspects, a cause of death, or a motive. The "unclassified death" designation is often used initially while investigators await autopsy results and gather evidence.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its bizarre and tragic nature: a respected physician found under such unusual and distressing circumstances in a public retail space. The community and Dr. Garay's loved ones in Nicaragua await answers as the investigation continues.
