Model Cristina Pérez Galcenco has passed away at the age of 21, according to the Daily Mail. She was the daughter of former professional athlete, goalkeeper Nacho Pérez, and Tatiana Galcenco.
Cristina was found at her Costa del Sol home on Tuesday, February 3. Sources told the Daily Mail that the model’s passing isn’t being treated as suspicious, while El Mundo reported that it was likely due to natural causes.
Cristina was known as an international catwalk model and had worked events like Madrid Fashion Week. Beyond that, she appeared in ad campaigns for brands such as Stradivarius, while also presenting collections for Versace and Louis Vuitton.
Those Who Knew Cristina Sent Heartfelt Messages
“Tributes were paid on Thursday night to the Lanzarote-born beauty, who had strutted catwalks around the world in cities including London, Madrid, Milan and Paris and was said to have had a promising career ahead of her,” according to the Daily Mail.
“I am devastated,” said Graciela Suarez, director of Pasarela Campoamor, a fashion event in Spain where Cristina made her mark while first modeling as a teenager, per the Daily Mail.
Photographer Xana de Jesus also shared a tribute for Cristina, saying, “I have no words for this sad news, except to tell her parents Tatiana Galcenco and Nacho Perez and her family that a star shines eternally in our hearts and that I offer my deepest condolences in such a time of grief.”
“I will never forget your words, Cris,” Xana continued. “You were and always will be a role model and an example to follow, both in your modelling career and as a person. I was very fortunate to have known you and worked with you. How unfair life is.”
Others left comments on Pasarela Campoamor’s Instagram post about Cristina’s passing, with one person writing, “My deepest condolences to her family 💔”
Another person added, “May she rest in peace 🤍☹️”
A third person wrote, “Fashion loses a great talent, but her legacy will remain forever, forever 💔”
Cristina Spoke About Her Job as a Model
When it came to modeling, Cristina opened up in a recent interview (via the Daily Mail), saying, “My job is to be the image of what a brand wants to represent to the public, whether through catwalks or advertising campaigns.”
“I always say that the most satisfying thing about this profession is the number of people, cultures and mentalities you get to know,” she added. “They are so different from your comfort zone that you have no choice but to grow and adapt to them; on the other hand, I feel that this comes with loneliness, which is the worst part of this job.”
She continued, “It is a fact that, being constantly on the move, no one in your close circle can keep up with you, so learning to get along with yourself is one of the most important things.”
