Cristina Sanz, a vibrant personality who captured hearts on the A&E series Born This Way, has died at the age of 36, according to a statement from her family. The news of her passing was shared on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, marking a profound loss for the community that followed her journey on the acclaimed reality show.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning," her family wrote. "She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital." Despite the medical team's dedicated efforts to stabilize her, she did not survive. Her family expressed their gratitude for being by her side during her final moments, noting that her passing was both sudden and unexpected.
Reflecting on her legacy, her family added, "We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will carry in our hearts the wonderful 'Cristina moments' that she gave us."
Remembering Her Impact on 'Born This Way'
The network behind the series also issued a statement to PEOPLE, honoring her memory. "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," the network stated.
Sanz was a central figure across all four seasons of Born This Way, which aired from 2015 to 2019. The Emmy Award-winning series provided an intimate look at the lives of young adults with Down syndrome as they navigated career goals, friendships, and romantic relationships. Throughout the show, viewers followed Sanz's personal milestones, including her relationship with her then-husband, Angel, and her aspirations for an independent life.
Described in her cast biography as a "romantic" and a compassionate individual, Sanz was known for her close-knit family ties and her dedication to helping others. Her presence on the show served as an inspiration to many, highlighting her maturity and her commitment to defying societal expectations. She remained connected to her fans and fellow cast members, with her final social media post in December 2025 featuring a nostalgic look back at her time on the series.