What To Know
- Cristina Sanz, star of A&E’s Born This Way, died at age 36 from sudden cardiac arrest.
- Sanz appeared in all four seasons of the Emmy-winning series, which highlighted the lives of young adults with Down syndrome.
- Her passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans.
Cristina Sanz, who appeared in all four seasons of the A&E series Born This Way, has died. She was 36.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,” the reality star’s family shared on Instagram on Wednesday (July 8). “She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital.”
The statement continued, “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.”
A&E also shared a statement, writing, “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.”
Born This Way premiered on December 8, 2015, and followed a “diverse group of young men and women with Down syndrome as they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships, and work, all while defying society’s expectations.”
“The series also gives a voice to the parents, allowing them to talk about the joy their son or daughter brings to their family, and the challenges they face in helping them live as independently as possible,” per the official A&E synopsis.
The Emmy-winning series, which ended in 2019, followed Sanz and her relationship with her then-boyfriend Angel, whom she married in 2018. According to TMZ, the pair split in 2021.
Sanz’s last Instagram post came in December 2025 when she shared a throwback cast photo from Born This Way.
Following the news of Sanz’s passing, fans flooded the Instagram comments with condolences.
“Cristina was a bright light in this world. We are so sorry for your loss and lift your family up in our prayers,” wrote one commenter.
“Oh my gosh that’s awful. She’s inspired many people . Rest in peace. I was a huge fan on Born This Way. It came out around the time I had a cousin born with down syndrome. She will be missed,” said another.
“Sending our condolences to your beautiful family. I received my prenatal diagnosis during Born This Way in 2015 and it brought us so much comfort. Your love for each other was palpable through the screen and continues to be a part of our diagnosis story,” another added.
Another wrote, “Condolences to the family. Got to know her at the gym. She was a very passionate dancer and always front row right during beside me during Zumba. It was always great to see her.”
“My heart breaks to hear this. I loved watching her on Born this way. She was beautiful inside and out,” said one fan.
“Sending love and all the hugs to the family. So many of us were touched personally by Cristina, and I will forever remember her humor, her spark and fire, and her friendship over the years. What a beautiful life and she impacted countless people. May her memory forever be a blessing,” added another.