Questions linger after woman from Nicaragua is found dead inside Dollar Tree freezer in Miami
A death investigation is underway after a woman was found dead inside a Dollar Tree store freezer on Sunday morning, City of Miami Police said.
Around 8 a.m., Miami Police officers responded to the Dollar Tree location at 968 SW 8th St. in Little Havana after an employee called saying that there was a deceased woman inside the business.
According to Miami Police, the woman, later identified as 32-year-old Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, was found inside the Dollar Tree's freezer.
"Complainant found a naked female in the cooler of the store," dispatchers are heard saying over the police scanners.
Video from the scene on Sunday showed police and fire rescue officials headed to the back of the store, gloved and carrying equipment.
"I'm also advised by the staff that they don't recognize her as well," dispatchers said.
Miami Police is investigating the discovery as an unclassified death at this time, as the circumstances surrounding the woman's death remain unclear.
GoFundMe says family raising funds to bring woman's body back to Nicaragua
According to a GoFundMe page said to be set up by her family, Garay was a physician originally from Nicaragua. The fundraiser page described Garay as a devoted doctor and a beloved mother of two children.
The page said Garay was an anesthesiologist who specialized in congenital heart disease, noting that her work brought "hope and healing to countless children and families."
According to the fundraising page, Garay died following what the family described as a "tragic accident while abroad." The family's stated goal is to bring her body back to Nicaragua so she can receive a funeral and final resting place surrounded by loved ones.
The fundraiser said donations will go toward repatriation, transportation and funeral expenses in Nicaragua.
"Her strength, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered," the page said.
Little Havana residents react to Dollar Tree body discovery
People who showed up at the store on Sunday morning were shocked by the deadly discovery.
"I got to be honest with you, I'm totally devastated," said concerned resident Margarita Puig. "I can't believe in the Dollar Tree you'd find a dead body."
Hugo Morales, another concerned resident, said he was concerned about when the woman's family would find out.
"I think it's crazy," Morales said. "I've never heard of something like that in my life."