'Born This Way' star Cristina Sanz dies aged 36

• Cristina Sanz died Monday after cardiac arrest at her day programme
• Her parents shared the news via Instagram, calling it a total shock
• A&E network expressed deep sadness and sympathy for her family

Born This Way star Cristina Sanz died on Monday morning after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at her day programme. The 36-year-old reality television personality was rushed to hospital following the medical emergency. Doctors attempted to stabilise her heart, but she did not survive the incident.

The family announced the news on Wednesday via the official Instagram account of Cristina Sanz. Her parents, Mariano and Beatriz Sanz, stated that they managed to remain by her side during her final moments. They described her passing as an unexpected event that caused total shock, adding that they would forever treasure the gift of her life and carry her memories in their hearts.

The broadcasting network A&E released an official statement expressing deep sadness regarding the passing of Cristina Sanz. Network executives noted that she touched the hearts of many individuals during her time on the programme. The media company extended its heartfelt sympathies to her family and colleagues who worked alongside her.

The television personality appeared across all four seasons of the critically acclaimed series Born This Way, which aired from 2015 to 2019. The documentary-style show focused on adults living with Down syndrome as they navigated personal obstacles to achieve their professional and lifestyle goals. The production secured three Emmy Awards during its run, including accolades for outstanding unstructured reality programming, casting, and cinematography.

The series heavily documented the personal life of Cristina Sanz, including her marriage to her then-husband, Angel, which featured in a 2018 episode. TMZ previously reported that the couple separated in 2021 after confinement during the pandemic placed a strain on their relationship. The final social media update from Cristina Sanz occurred in December 2025, when she uploaded a photograph featuring her fellow cast members.