Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a mother of two, was found dead in a store freezer due to hypothermia and alcoholism, raising concerns about safety in retail environments.
Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, 32, was discovered deceased on December 14, 2025, in a freezer at a store. Authorities reported no signs of foul play; however, her family has accused the store of negligence and has taken legal action against it. The medical examiner confirmed that her death was caused by environmental hypothermia, with contributing factors including a blood alcohol level of 0.112, which exceeds the legal driving limit in the United States.
Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can lead to heart and respiratory failure if untreated, resulting in death. According to police reports, she entered the store on December 13, 2025, without making a purchase and subsequently accessed an employees-only area, presumably spending the night in the freezer. A store employee found her around 8 a.m. the next morning.
This tragic incident raises questions about safety protocols in retail establishments, particularly concerning access to hazardous areas and the treatment of vulnerable individuals. The family's lawsuit against the store highlights potential accountability issues in ensuring a safe environment for all customers. This case may prompt reviews of existing safety regulations in the retail sector to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
