Born This Way reality star Cristina Sanz dies at age 36 after suffering from ‘sudden cardiac arrest’

Cristina Sanz, best known for starring on A&E’s reality show Born This Way, has died at age 36.

The documentary series, which premiered in 2015 and went on for four seasons, followed seven young adults born with Down syndrome.

The reality star passed away after suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest while she was at her day program, her parents revealed.

Sanz was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died, despite the doctors’ attempts to save her.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, her family shared an emotional tribute while confirming her tragic passing.

The family penned: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning. 

‘She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital. 

‘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.’

They went on to call her death a ‘total shock’ and completely ‘unexpected,’ adding: ‘We will forever treasure the gift of her life. 

‘We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful “Cristina moments” that she gave us.’

In the comments section of the heartbreaking post, many fans expressed their deepest sympathy, as they shared how much watching the show had impacted them.

‘I’m so sorry, this is heartbreaking. One of my favorite memories of Cristina was when she did her ballroom dancing competition. Praying for your family,’ one Instagram user wrote.

Another shared: ‘So sad. She was a lovely woman and I absolutely loved her and your family on the show. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.’

‘So sad to hear this. I’m so sorry. Praying for all, what a light gone way too soon,’ someone else wrote.

Sanz appeared on all four seasons of Born This Way, which ran on the network from 2015 to 2019.

The show documented her life and loving relationship with her then-husband, Angel.

Sanz was featured on the show alongside her parents, Mariano and Beatriz.

The series chronicled seven adults living with Down Syndrome, showing them pursue their career goals and other dreams.

Sanz split with her husband in 2021, according to TMZ, and they cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a stressor on their relationship.

One of her last posts on Instagram was shared in April 2024 and featured two pictures that her mom had sent her, showing her as a baby and her now.

‘Look what my mom sent me. Me as a baby girl and me as a grown up… Wow,’ her caption read.