Clint Eastwood’s longtime girlfriend, Christina Sandera, passed away on July 18 at the age of 61. The cause of her death has been confirmed as a heart attack, according to a representative from the Monterey County Health Department. The news was reported by The New York Post on July 23.
The death certificate listed her immediate cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormality in the timing or pattern of the heartbeat. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, was noted as a contributing factor.
Eastwood, 94, announced Sandera’s passing in a heartfelt statement: “Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much.” A Warner Bros. spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter that no further information would be shared.
Eastwood and Sandera met while she was working as a hostess at his Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. They began dating in 2014 and maintained a relatively private relationship. However, Sandera accompanied Eastwood to several public events, including the 2015 Academy Awards and the premieres of his films Sully (2016), The Mule (2018), The 15:17 to Paris (2018), and Richard Jewell (2019).
Her appearance with Eastwood at The Mule premiere was particularly memorable, as they were joined by Eastwood’s first wife, Margaret “Maggie” Johnson, and his children. At the time, it was believed to be his final acting role. “Clint knows this might be his last film, and he wanted all of his kids to be there,” an insider told Closer. “He’s been on great terms with Maggie for years. She’s been maternal with all his children — not just hers.”
Eastwood was married to Maggie Johnson, 93, from 1953 to 1984, although they separated 20 years before their divorce was finalized. He later married Dina Ruiz in 1996, with the couple divorcing in 2014. While Eastwood and Sandera did not have children together, he has eight adult children from previous relationships: Laurie, Kimber, Kyle, Alison, Scott, Kathryn, Francesca, and Morgan, told People.
Morgan, 27, whose mother is Dina Ruiz, expressed her sorrow over Sandera’s passing, calling it a “devastating loss for our whole family.” She posted a tribute on her Instagram Stories, thanking Sandera for being a good partner to her father. “You will be missed,” she wrote, sharing a photo from her wedding day attended by Eastwood, Sandera, and her seven siblings.
An insider told Closer in May 2020 that Eastwood was “truly happy” with Sandera. “She’s fun, easygoing, and his kids like her, too. She’s on an even keel like he is,” the source said. However, in June 2021, another insider mentioned that Eastwood didn’t see the need to marry again, despite his love for Sandera. “Marriage isn’t something he needs,” the source explained.
Sandera’s passing marks a significant loss for Eastwood and his family, as they remember her as a loving and caring presence in their lives.