Tributes have poured in for an international catwalk model who was tragically found dead at her home in Spain. Cristina Perez Galcenco, the 21-year-old daughter of retired Spanish footballer Nacho Perez, was discovered dead in Caleta de Velez, Costa del Sol, near Malaga on Tuesday. The Lanzarote-born beauty was said to have a promising future ahead of her, having modelled in cities including London, Madrid, Milan and Paris. Sources said her death was not being treated as suspicious.
Graciela Suarez, director of a fashion event in Oviedo called Pasarela Campoamor, where Cristina first made her name as a teenager, said: 'I am devastated.' Cristina also participated in Madrid Fashion Week and featured in ad campaigns for brands like Stradivarius, Versace and Louis Vuitton.
Her body is expected to be transferred to Asturias in northern Spain, where she grew up, for her funeral. Her parents have yet to comment publicly. Photographer Xana de Jesus paid tribute, saying: 'I have no words for this sad news... a star shines eternally in our hearts.'
Cristina had spoken about the loneliness of modelling, saying: '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.' She was studying a course in Malaga at the time of her death.
