Cristina Pérez Galcenco, 21, Rising International Catwalk Model, Found Dead at Home
Galcenco was the daughter of former Spanish professional soccer player Nacho Pérez
A rising international fashion model has been found dead at her home, sending shockwaves through Spain’s fashion and sports communities.
Cristina Pérez Galcenco, a 21-year-old catwalk model who had already walked some of the world’s most prestigious runways, was discovered dead at her residence in the Spanish province of Málaga, according to local media reports.
Galcenco — the daughter of former Spanish professional soccer player Nacho Pérez and Tatiana Galcenco — was found at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Spanish outlets including El País, El Mundo, and ABC reported.
She had recently moved to Caleta de Vélez, Málaga, to attend a course, according to ABC.
Authorities believe her death was due to natural causes, with no signs of violence at the scene, El Mundo reported, citing sources close to the family.
21-Year-Old Catwalk Model, Cristina Pérez Galcenco, Found Dead:
In recent years, Pérez Galcenco had built a fast-rising international modeling career, walking catwalks in Madrid, Milan, Paris, London, and China, according to El Mundo.
She began modeling at just 14 years old, making her debut at the Campoamor Fashion Show — an annual event held at Oviedo’s Campoamor Theater — ABC reported.
Organizers of the fashion show paid tribute to the late model on social media, sharing a photo and video on Instagram alongside a white dove emoji.
Throughout her career, Pérez Galcenco also appeared at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid and modeled during Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, according to Asturias outlet La Nueva España.
Her remains will lie in state beginning Friday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. local time at the Puente Nora funeral home in Lugones, Asturias, the publication reported. Her funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, at a parish church in the same town.
Renowned Spanish hairdresser Manuel Mon was among those to pay tribute to Pérez Galcenco, writing on Instagram that she would be remembered for more than her work on the runway.
“Beyond her talent in front of the camera and on the runway, we’ll remember her sweetness, her professionalism, and the authentic way she brought every piece to life,” his translated caption read. “Her presence brought not only beauty, but humanity, respect, and a very special energy that will remain forever in our memory.”
At just 21, Cristina Pérez Galcenco had already crossed the world’s biggest runways — and was still at the very beginning. Her sudden death has left unanswered questions, halted a rising career overnight, and sent a quiet shock through the fashion industry, where tomorrow is never guaranteed.
