NEED TO KNOW
Cristina Sanz has died at age 36
The Born This Way star died on Monday, July 6, her family announced
The A&E series won three Emmys during its four-year run
Cristina Sanz, who appeared in the A&E series Born This Way, has died. She was 36.
The reality star’s family announced the news on Instagram on Wednesday, July 8. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,” a statement read. “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 says in a statement, “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 SanzCredit: Cristina Sanz/Instagram
TMZ also confirmed, citing her parents Mariano and Beatriz, that Cristina went into cardiac arrest. She was 36 years old, according to the outlet.
Sanz last posted an image on her Instagram feed in December, sharing a cast photo from Born This Way.
The series, which won the 2016 Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, offered an “intimate look at 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,” per a synopsis from A&E.
The description continues, “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.”
Born This Way also included a look at Cristina’s life with her then-husband, Angel. The pair’s wedding was documented in a 2018 episode. TMZ reported that they split in 2021.
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Cristina appeared in all four seasons of the reality series, which first aired in December 2015 and wrapped in December 2019. It won two additional Emmys in 2017, for Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program.
“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 the show would conclude with a digital series and holiday special.
“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.”
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