Cristina Sanz, Beloved ‘Born This Way’ Star, Passes Away at 36

Cristina Sanz, a talented and charismatic star of A&E’s Emmy-winning reality series ‘Born This Way,’ has sadly passed away at the age of 36. Born with Down syndrome, Cristina was a member of the show’s cast for four seasons, where her life was chronicled along with that of six other adults living with the condition.

According to her parents, Mariano and Beatriz Sanz, Cristina suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at her Day Program in Long Beach, California, on Monday, July 6. Despite the best efforts of the medical team to revive her, she did not survive.

In a heartfelt statement announcing her passing, Cristina’s parents expressed their gratitude for being able to be by her side at the end. ‘Her death was a total shock and unexpected,’ they wrote. ‘We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful ‘Cristina moments’ that she gave us.’

Cristina’s time on ‘Born This Way’ was marked by her blossoming romance with castmate Angel Callahan, which culminated in a beautiful wedding in 2018. The couple reportedly separated sometime after the Covid pandemic shutdown.

The groundbreaking series, produced by Bunim/Murray Productions, debuted on A&E in 2015 and quickly won over critics and audiences with its honest and empathetic portrayals of the challenges and achievements of seven adults with Down syndrome. The show went on to win three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program, and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program.

In a statement to the press, A&E said, ‘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.’

Cristina’s parents also expressed their gratitude for the love and support of the ‘Born This Way’ community. ‘We are grateful for the love and support of the ‘Born This Way’ family, who have been a constant source of inspiration and strength for us during this difficult time,’ they wrote.

As the news of Cristina’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from fans and fellow cast members alike. The ‘Born This Way’ family has lost a shining star, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.