Cristina Sanz, a reality star who appeared in the Emmy-winning series Born This Way, has died at the age of 36 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
The news was revealed in a statement on Instagram, which announced that Cristina died on Monday after being rushed to the hospital. Despite the doctors' best efforts to stabilize her heart, she did not survive. Her family expressed gratitude for being able to be by her side at the end, and described her death as a "total shock and unexpected." They will "forever treasure the gift of her life" and will carry the "wonderful 'Cristina moments'" she gave them in their hearts.
Cristina's family paid tribute to her, saying that she touched the hearts of many through her time on Born This Way. The reality star's last post on Instagram was in December, when she posted a cast photo from the show, which ran for four seasons between 2015 and 2019.
Born This Way, an acclaimed A&E documentary series, followed a group of young adults with Down syndrome as they pursued careers, built friendships, explored relationships, and embraced independent living while challenging stereotypes. The show earned widespread praise during its run, winning three Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program in 2016.
Cristina appeared in every season of the series and became a fan favourite thanks to her warmth, humour, and infectious personality. Her appearance on the show helped to break down barriers and challenge societal perceptions of people with Down syndrome. Executive producer Jonathan Murray reflected on the show's lasting impact, saying that it had a "positive impact on the world" and changed how society views people with Down syndrome.
The reality star's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from those who knew and worked with her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched during her time on Born This Way.
