The relatives of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez have released a statement after the mother of two was discovered deceased in a freezer in Miami.
The Miami Police Department responded to calls about a dead individual at a Dollar Tree located in South Florida on December 14.
Upon arrival, officers found a woman in a freezer within the store at 968 SW 8th St, later identified as Sanchez.
Authorities report that the 32-year-old entered the store before its closure on December 13 without making any purchases. It is believed she accessed a restricted employee-only area and entered the freezer, where she remained until the next day.
An employee of Dollar Tree found the mother on the morning of December 14.
“We are aware of this tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the individual’s family and loved ones,” a company spokesperson told People. “We are cooperating fully with the authorities at this time.”
Police have indicated that they suspect no foul play, and their investigation is ongoing.
Sanchez’s cousin, Daniela Cortez, shared her thoughts with the New York Post in the wake of the tragedy.
“The thing is that even the family has a lot of questions,” she told the outlet. “We don’t know how this happened either. And we’re not getting any answers.”
The Miami Herald reported that Sanchez was visiting family in Miami. The anaesthesiologist was originally from Nicaragua.
A GoFundMe organized by Stefany Pereira stated that Sanchez ‘dedicated her life to medicine’. “Her compassion, skill and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character,” Pereira noted on the fundraiser.
“Her strength, warmth and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered.”
Sanchez’s family is eager to have her returned to Nicaragua for a funeral service.
The GoFundMe added: “Her family’s greatest wish is to bring her home to Nicaragua so she may receive a proper funeral and final resting place surrounded by loved ones. Help Bring Her Home.
“The family is currently raising funds to cover the costs of repatriation, transportation, and funeral services in Nicaragua. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help honor her life and legacy and support her children during this devastating time.”
At the moment, over $18,000 has been raised for Sanchez’s family, though donations are currently on hold.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].