Cristina Sanz, one of the beloved stars of A&E's Emmy-winning reality series Born This Way, has died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. She was 36.
Sanz's parents, Mariano and Beatriz, announced her death in an emotional statement shared on her Instagram account, revealing that she experienced the medical emergency while attending her day program earlier this week. Despite being rushed to a hospital, doctors were unable to save her.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning," her parents wrote. "She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital."
The family said physicians made every effort to stabilize her heart but were unsuccessful.
"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."
Sanz rose to national prominence as one of the original cast members of Born This Way, the groundbreaking A&E documentary series that premiered in 2015. The show followed a group of young adults with Down syndrome as they pursued careers, friendships, romantic relationships and greater independence while challenging stereotypes about people living with the genetic condition.
Throughout the show's four-season run, viewers watched Sanz navigate major milestones in her life, including her long-term relationship and eventual marriage to Angel Callahan. Their wedding, inspired by Disney's Beauty and the Beast, was featured during the series' fourth season in 2018. The couple later separated in 2021, citing strains brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born This Way earned widespread critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of adults with Down syndrome and helped reshape public perceptions of disability. During its run from 2015 to 2019, the series won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program.
Following news of Sanz's passing, A&E released a statement honoring her legacy.
"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," the network said. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her."
Executive producer Jonathan Murray previously credited the series with changing how audiences viewed people with Down syndrome, saying the program demonstrated that everyone deserves opportunities for independence, meaningful work and fulfilling relationships.
Sanz remained close with many of her former castmates after the show concluded. Her final Instagram post, shared in December, featured a reunion photo with members of the Born This Way cast, reflecting the lasting friendships formed during the series.
Tributes from fans quickly flooded social media, with many remembering Sanz for her infectious smile, warmth and joyful spirit. For many viewers, she became an advocate for inclusion simply by sharing her everyday life on television, helping millions better understand the experiences and aspirations of people with Down syndrome.
