Reality star Cristina Sanz has died after a sudden cardiac arrest, her family announced. She was 36.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Subscribe to read this story ad-free<\/p>\n
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.<\/p>\n
![\"arrow\"](\"https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/rockcms\/2026-01\/arrow-f55fa5.svg\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n
Sanz was a cast member on A&E\u2019s \u201cBorn This Way,\u201d a three-time Emmy-winning series that followed adults with Down syndrome. <\/p>\n
The show followed Sanz and others \u201cas they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romantic relationships and work, all while defying society\u2019s expectations,\u201d according to A&E<\/a>. <\/p>\n Sanz\u2019s parents, Mariano and Beatriz, announced her death Wednesday. <\/p>\n \u201cIt is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning,\u201d the couple posted on Cristina Sanz\u2019s Instagram account<\/a>. \u201cShe suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital.\u201d <\/p>\n According to the statement, doctors\u2019 best attempts to stabilize Sanz\u2019s heart were unsuccessful. Her parents said they were \u201cgrateful\u201d to be at her side in her last moments. <\/p>\n \u201cHer death was a total shock and unexpected. We will forever treasure the gift of her life.\u201d <\/p>\n Sanz starred in all four seasons of the critically acclaimed series \u201cBorn This Way.\u201d Her storylines followed her career goals and romance with Angel Callahan. The pair were married in 2018 but split in 2021, citing Covid-related isolation as a stressor on their relationship. <\/p>\n