MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A death investigation is underway after a woman was discovered inside a freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Little Havana, according to CBS Miami, our news partner.
Miami Police said the discovery happened on Sunday morning. Around 8 a.m., officers responded to the Dollar Tree at 968 SW 8th Street after an employee called to report a deceased woman inside the business, CBS Miami, our news partner reports.
Police later identified the woman as 32-year-old Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, who was found inside the store’s freezer. Dispatch audio revealed that the complainant told authorities they found a naked female in the cooler, according to our news partners.
Video from the scene showed police and fire rescue officials heading to the back of the store wearing gloves and carrying equipment, CBS Miami noted. Dispatchers also said staff did not recognize the woman.
The case is being investigated as an unclassified death while authorities work to determine the circumstances.
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A GoFundMe page created by Garay’s family says she was a physician from Nicaragua. The fundraiser describes her as an anesthesiologist specializing in congenital heart disease and a devoted mother of two.
The family says Garay died following what they called a “tragic accident while abroad” and is raising money to bring her body back to Nicaragua for a funeral. Donations will go toward repatriation, transportation, and funeral expenses.
Residents in Little Havana expressed shock over the discovery to CBS Miami.
“I got to be honest with you, I’m totally devastated,” said Margarita Puig.
Another resident, Hugo Morales, said, “I think it’s crazy. I’ve never heard of something like that in my life.”
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