The cause of death for Christina Sandera, Clint Eastwood’s longtime partner, has been confirmed just days after she passed away at the age of 61.
Eastwood, 94, had been in a relationship with Sandera since 2014. The couple reportedly met while she was working as a hostess at the actor’s Mission Ranch Hotel and Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He confirmed her passing in a statement released on Thursday, July 18.
According to the Monterey County Health Department, Sandera died from a heart attack. Her official death certificate listed cardiac arrhythmia—a condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly, too fast, or too slow—as the primary cause. It also noted atherosclerotic coronary artery disease as a contributing factor.
Atherosclerosis is a condition where fatty deposits, known as atheroma, build up on the walls of arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. When atheromas rupture, they can cause blood clots that further block blood circulation throughout the body.
In a heartfelt statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Eastwood shared: “Christina was a lovely, caring woman, and I will miss her very much.”
Throughout their relationship, Sandera and Eastwood kept a relatively low profile. However, she did make public appearances alongside him, including at the 2015 Academy Awards, where his film American Sniper was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture.
Sandera also accompanied the Gran Torino star to several major red carpet events over the years, including premieres for Sully (2016), The Mule (2018), The 15:17 to Paris (2018), and Richard Jewell (2019).
A longtime resident of Carmel, Sandera began dating Eastwood following his 2014 divorce from former TV anchor Dina Eastwood. Prior to that, Eastwood had been married to model Maggie Johnson from 1953 to 1984.
Eastwood had other long-term relationships in between. He dated stuntwoman Roxanne Tunis, the late actor Sondra Locke (they were domestic partners for 14 years and starred in four movies together), flight attendant Jacelyn Reeves and actor Frances Fisher (they were together for five years and co-starred in four films).
