A Tragic Loss for the ‘Born This Way’ Community
Cristina Sanz, known for her appearance on the reality television series Born This Way, has passed away at the age of 36 following complications related to her heart.
The Announcement from Her Family
The news was shared by her parents, Mariano and Beatriz, via Cristina's official Instagram account on Tuesday, July 7. In a poignant statement, they detailed the circumstances of her passing:
“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.”
Her family further expressed their grief, noting that the loss was both sudden and unexpected. They added, “We will forever treasure the gift of her life. We will all carry in our hearts the wonderful ‘Cristina moments’ that she gave us.”
Remembering Her Legacy
Following reports of her death, a network spokesperson expressed their condolences regarding the impact she made: “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.”
During her time on the show, viewers followed Cristina’s professional aspirations and her personal life, including her relationship with her then-husband, Angel. The couple eventually parted ways in 2021.
The Impact of ‘Born This Way’
The show, which highlighted the lives of young adults with Down syndrome, was praised for its social impact. Executive producer Jonathan Murray noted the significance of the series in a 2019 statement:
“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.”
Murray highlighted that the program demonstrated that individuals should not be defined by artificial limitations and that everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, seeks independence and the opportunity to contribute to their communities.