Cristina Sanz, a cast member of the A&E reality series "Born This Way," died at age 36 on a Monday morning after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, but doctors were unsuccessful in stabilizing her heart.

Her parents, Mariano and Beatriz Sanz, announced her death on Wednesday via an Instagram post. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter, Cristina, passed away Monday morning," they wrote. "She suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while at her Day Program and was rushed to the hospital. We are grateful that we were able to be by her side at the end."

Sanz appeared in all four seasons of "Born This Way," a reality series that followed adults with Down syndrome. The series aired from 2015 to 2019 and won three Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program in 2016, and Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program in 2017.

Sanz married Angel Callahan in 2018, and the couple split in 2021. They cited COVID-19-related isolation as a stressor on their relationship. In December 2025, Sanz posted a photo with the cast of "Born This Way" on Instagram.

A&E issued a statement offering condolences to the Sanz family. "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 television network said. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her."

"Her death was a total shock and unexpected," Mariano and Beatriz Sanz wrote. "We will forever treasure the gift of her life." The death of Cristina Sanz marks the passing of an individual who gained public recognition through her participation in the Emmy-winning reality series "Born This Way." Her presence on the show contributed to its portrayal of adults with Down syndrome, which won awards during its four-season run.