Doctor trapped in supermarket freezer overnight dies
The family of a doctor who died after becoming trapped in a supermarket freezer overnight are seeking $50 million in a lawsuit.
Florida anaesthesiologist Dr Helen Garay was tragically found dead in a Dollar Tree supermarket freezer while on holiday back in December, with police ruling out foul play - despite the mother-of-two being completely naked when she was discovered.
The only other well-known case of a death in a supermarket saw the body of a man discovered behind a fridge in an Iowa store for over 10 years, but it was just one day after Dr Garay entered the Miami supermarket that she was located.
Her family have now launched a lawsuit following her accidental death, alleging that the manager of the store had instructed a worker on duty 'not to review surveillance footage', as well as failing to take 'reasonable action to locate or assist' her once she became trapped.
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The legal complaint states: "While an invitee on the premises, Sanchez became trapped inside a walk-in freezer located within the Dollar Tree Store and thereafter sustained fatal injuries.
"At all times material, Dollar Tree owed Sanchez and other invitees a non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care in the ownership, operation, inspection, maintenance, and supervision of the Dollar Tree Store, including but not limited to: maintaining the premises in a reasonably safe condition; protecting invitees from foreseeable risks of harm; securing and safely maintaining dangerous instrumentalities, including walk-in freezers; implementing and enforcing reasonable safety policies and procedures; and taking reasonable action to locate and assist invitees after being placed on notice that a customer was missing or unaccounted for."
Police had been called when an employee 'found a naked female in the cooler of the store'.
"We received a call from an employee, who reported that there was a deceased woman inside of the business, inside of the freezer," a Miami PD spokesperson told Law&Crime.
"No foul play is suspected, but it's still an active and ongoing investigation."
A GoFundMe has also been set up with the home of returning the mother's body to her birth country of Nicaragua, as well as paying for funeral services. It has already raised more than 90 per cent of its $20k target.
The fundraising page states: "Originally from Nicaragua, Dr. Garay dedicated her life to medicine, earning recognition as a Anaesthesiologist specialising in congenital heart disease whose work brought hope and healing to countless children and families. Her compassion, skill, and commitment to saving young lives defined both her career and her character.
"Beyond her profession, she was a loving mother to two children, who remain in Nicaragua and were the centre of her world. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will always be remembered.
"Dr. Helen Garay passed away following a tragic accident while abroad. 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.
"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.
"We thank you for your prayers, kindness, and support during this difficult moment."
LADbible has contacted Dollar Tree for comment.
James Moorhouse