Sad news has emerged about the cause of death of Christina Sandera, Clint Eastwood’s long-term partner. According to the Monterey County Health Department, the 61-year-old passed away from a heart attack on July 18.

The death certificate cites cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormality in the heartbeat’s timing or pattern, as the immediate cause of death. Additionally, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was listed as a contributing factor.

Christina Sandera was not only known for her relationship with Eastwood but also her philanthropy. This loss came as a shock, and Eastwood expressed his sorrow in a statement: “Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much.” The couple’s love story began when Sandera worked as a hostess at Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

Despite keeping their romance private, they attended a few select events together during their 10-year relationship. Sandera walked the red carpet with Eastwood for movies such as “Sully” in 2016, “The Mule” in 2018, and “The 15:17 to Paris” in the same year. Their last public appearance as a couple was at AFI Fest in Hollywood in November 2019 for the premiere of Eastwood’s film “Richard Jewell.”

Although Clint Eastwood never married Sandera, she was embraced as part of the family by his eight children. Eastwood’s daughter, Morgan, paid tribute to Sandera by sharing a heartfelt photo of the couple at her wedding last month. They celebrated the special day at Eastwood’s famed coastal ranch in Monterey County, the same place where he first met Sandera.

It’s undoubtedly a devastating loss for Clint Eastwood and his family. They will cherish the memories of Christina Sandera as a loving and supportive partner.