Family, friends, and fans are mourning the unexpected passing of Cristina Sanz, the beloved reality television personality who appeared in all four seasons of A&E’s Emmy Award-winning series Born This Way. Sanz died on Monday following a sudden cardiac arrest. She was 36 years old.
Her family announced the heartbreaking news in a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, July 8, revealing that Cristina suffered cardiac arrest while attending her day program.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,” the family wrote. “She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital.”
Despite emergency medical treatment, doctors were unable to save her.
“Despite the doctors’ best efforts to stabilize her heart, she did not survive. We are grateful that we were able to be by her side at the end. Her death was a total shock and unexpected. We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful ‘Cristina moments’ that she gave us.”
According to TMZ, Cristina’s parents, Mariano and Beatriz Sanz, also confirmed that cardiac arrest was the cause of her death.
Cristina became widely known through Born This Way, the groundbreaking A&E reality series that premiered in December 2015. The show followed a diverse group of young adults with Down syndrome as they pursued careers, friendships, romantic relationships, and greater independence while challenging stereotypes and changing public perceptions about people with disabilities.
Throughout its four-season run, Cristina quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her joyful personality, honesty, and determination. Viewers watched her celebrate many milestones, including her marriage to then-husband Angel, whose wedding was featured in a memorable 2018 episode. The couple reportedly separated in 2021.
The acclaimed series concluded in 2019 after earning widespread praise and multiple Emmy Awards, including the 2016 Emmy for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, along with additional honors for Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program in 2017.
Following news of Cristina’s passing, A&E released a statement expressing condolences to her loved ones.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cristina Sanz, who touched the hearts of many through her time on Born This Way. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
Executive producer Jonathan Murray previously reflected on the show’s lasting impact when it concluded in 2019, noting that Born This Way helped reshape society’s understanding of people with Down syndrome and demonstrated that everyone deserves opportunities for independence, meaningful work, and full participation in their communities.
Cristina’s final Instagram post came in December, when she shared a reunion photo of the Born This Way cast, celebrating the friendships and memories formed throughout the series.
As news of her death spreads, fans, former castmates, and members of the disability advocacy community continue to share heartfelt tributes, remembering Cristina for her infectious smile, vibrant personality, and the inspiration she provided to millions of viewers around the world.
Cristina Sanz leaves behind a legacy of courage, authenticity, and advocacy. Through her television career and her willingness to share her life with others, she helped break barriers, promote inclusion, and inspire countless people to embrace their uniqueness.
She will be remembered with love and gratitude by her family, friends, fellow cast members, and the many fans whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.