On 11/2, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office concluded that Helen's cause of death was hypothermia due to environmental factors, with ethanol use considered "a contributing cause." Ethanol is a main component in alcoholic beverages.
A toxicology report indicated Helen's blood ethanol level was 0.112%, which is higher than the legal driving limit of 0.08%. Her ocular fluid ethanol concentration was 0.156%.
Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature drops below 35 degrees C. If untreated, hypothermia can cause heart and respiratory failure, ultimately leading to death.
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Helen Sanchez, a Nicaraguan national, died while traveling in Florida. Anh: GFM.
Authorities previously stated that the 32-year-old anesthesiologist entered Dollar Tree on 13/12/2025 without purchasing anything. She then reportedly accessed a staff-only area and remained in the freezer overnight. A staff member discovered her naked body in the freezer around 8 a.m. the following day.
Authorities confirmed that the freezer door was not jammed, and an emergency release latch allowed Helen to open the door from the inside.
Following the incident, police reported obtaining surveillance video from the supermarket, which confirmed Helen entered the freezer voluntarily and that "no criminal activity occurred." A police officer also ruled out mental illness as a factor in her death.
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The staff-only area inside a Dollar Tree supermarket. Anh: WPLG Local 10.
On 28/1, Helen's family filed a civil lawsuit against Dollar Tree and its manager, seeking USD 50 million in compensation for wrongful death and negligence. They allege Dollar Tree was negligent in not preventing Helen from accessing the freezer. They also claim the manager was "clearly informed" that Helen was missing and had not left the supermarket, but failed to take reasonable action to search for or assist her.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Helen's husband and her two children.
On 2/2, Dollar Tree stated it would not comment on ongoing legal matters but continues to cooperate fully with authorities.
Tue Anh (according to People, Nypost)
