The family of Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez have issued a statement after the mother of two was found dead in a freezer in Miami.
The Miami Police Department responded to reports that there was a deceased individual at a Dollar Tree in South Florida on December 14.
Officers discovered a woman, identified as Sanchez, in a freezer found inside the store at 968 SW 8th St.
Police say the 32-year-old entered the store before it closed on December 13 but did not purchase anything. It's believed Sanchez walked into a restricted employee-only area before heading into the freezer, where she stayed overnight.
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The mother was discovered by a Dollar Tree employee 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 spokesperson for the company told People. "We are cooperating fully with the authorities at this time."
Police have said they suspect no foul play, and their investigation continues.
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Sanchez’s cousin, Daniela Cortez, has spoken to the New York Post following the tragic passing of her family member.
"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."
Sanchez had been in Miami visiting family, the Miami Herald reported. The anaesthesiologist was visiting from her own country of Nicaragua.
According to a GoFundMe created by Stefany Pereira, Sanchez 'dedicated her life to medicine'. "Her compassion, skill and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character," Pereira wrote on the fundraiser.
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"Her strength, warmth and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered."
Sanchez's family wants to see her returned to Nicaragua so a funeral can take place.
The GoFundMe continued: "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.
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"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 time of writing, some $18,000+ has been raised for Sanchez's family, though donations are currently paused.
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].
Callum Jones