Born This Way star Cristina Sanz has died after experiencing issues with her heart. She was 36.
Cristina’s parents, Mariano and Beatriz, announced her death via her Instagram page on Tuesday, July 7.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,” they wrote. “She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital. 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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
TMZ was first to report the news.
Cristina starred on all four seasons of Born This Way, which aired on A&E from 2015 to 2019. The show followed adults with Down syndrome.
“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,” a spokesperson for the network told Entertainment Weekly. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
Born This Way showcased Cristina’s career aspirations and her relationship with her then-husband, Angel. The pair split in 2021, citing COVID-19 confinement as having an impact on their relationship, according to TMZ.
Cristina last posted on social media in December 2025, sharing a throwback image from Born This Way.
Born This Way won the award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program at the 2016 Emmys. The following year, the reality series took home the Emmys for Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program. The show received 17 total Emmy nominations during its four-year run.
“It’s not often that you get to make television like Born This Way, which has had such a positive impact on the world. The show unquestionably changed how society views people with Down syndrome and how people with Down syndrome see themselves,” executive producer Jonathan Murray said in a statement in 2019 after it was announced that Born This Way would end with a digital series and holiday special.
He continued, “It has shown that no one should have to live with artificial limits placed upon them and all of us, no matter what challenges we face, want the same things — independence, a chance for meaningful employment and a chance to contribute to our families and communities.”
