Cristina Sanz, star of reality show ‘Born This Way,’ dies at 36 : latest update

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Cristina unexpectedly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of Monday, July 6, 2026, while attending her day program.

She was immediately rushed to the hospital. Medical staff made extensive efforts to stabilize her heart, but unfortunately, she did not survive.

Her parents, Mariano and Beatriz, shared that her passing was a total shock, but expressed gratitude that they were able to be right by her side at the end.

Tributes and Tributes Pouring In

• Family Statement: Her family posted a heartbreaking tribute on her Instagram page, writing, "We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful 'Cristina moments' that she gave us."

• Network Response: A&E Network issued an official statement expressing deep sadness: "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."

 Her Lasting Legacy

Cristina starred in all four seasons of Born This Way (which aired from 2015 to 2019), a show dedicated to chronicling the lives, ambitions, and relationships of adults with Down syndrome. As part of the ensemble cast, she became the first Hispanic woman with a disability to win an Emmy Award when the show won Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program in 2016. She is widely remembered for advocating for inclusion and demonstrating that individuals with disabilities can achieve independent lives, careers, and meaningful relationships.