NEED TO KNOW
Christina Sanz died at the age of 36.
Born this way The star died on Monday, July 6, her family announced.
The A&E series won three Emmy Awards in four years.
Christina Sanz, who starred in the A&E series Born this waydied. She was 36.
The reality star’s family announced the news on Instagram on Wednesday, July 8. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that our daughter Christina passed away Monday morning,” the statement said. “During the day program she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital.”
The statement reads: “Despite doctors’ best efforts to stabilize her heart, she did not survive. We are grateful that we were able to be with her at the end. Her death was a complete shock and unexpected. We will forever cherish the gift of her life. We will all hold in our hearts the wonderful ‘Christina moments’ she gave us.”
A&E said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Christina Sanz, who touched the hearts of many during her time on Born this way. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and everyone who had the honor of knowing and working with her.”
Cristina SanzCredit: Cristina Sanz/Instagram
TMZ also confirmed, citing her parents Mariano and Beatriz, that Christina suffered cardiac arrest. According to the publication, she was 36 years old.
Sanz last posted an image to her Instagram feed in December, sharing a photo of the cast. Born this way.
The series, which won a 2016 Emmy Award for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, offers “an intimate look at a diverse group of young men and women with Down syndrome as they pursue their passions and lifelong dreams, explore friendships, romance and work while challenging society’s expectations,” according to the A&E synopsis.
The description continues: “The series also gives parents a voice, allowing them to talk about the joy their son or daughter brings to their family and the challenges they face, helping them live as independently as possible.”
Born this way also included is a look at Christina’s life with her then-husband Angel. The couple’s wedding was documented in a 2018 episode. TMZ reported that they split in 2021.
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Christina appeared in all four seasons of the reality series, which first aired in December 2015 and concluded in December 2019. In 2017, he won two more Emmy Awards for Outstanding Casting for a Reality TV Show and Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality TV Show.
“It’s not often that you can make television look like Born this way who has had such a positive impact on the world. The show has undoubtedly changed the way society views people with Down syndrome and how people with Down syndrome see themselves,” executive producer Jonathan Murray said in a statement in 2019 after it was announced that the show would end with a digital series and holiday special.
“It showed that no one should have to live with artificial restrictions placed on them, and we all, no matter what challenges we face, want the same things—independence, a chance at meaningful employment, and a chance to contribute to our families and communities.”
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