International catwalk model, 21, is found dead in Costa del Sol

An international catwalk model was found dead in her home on the Costa del Sol.

The body of Cristina Perez Galcenco, the 21-year-old daughter of the retired Spanish football player, was found in Caleta de Velez, near Malaga, on Tuesday.

Tributes were paid on Thursday night to the Lanzarote-born beauty, who strutted around the world on catwalks in cities such as London, Madrid, Milan and Paris and is said to have a promising career ahead of her.

Well-placed sources said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Graciela Suarez, director of Pasarela Campoamor, a fashion event in Oviedo in northern Spain where Cristina first made her name as a teenager, said today: ‘I am devastated.’

In addition to participating in events such as Madrid Fashion Week, she took part in advertising campaigns for companies such as Stradivarius and presented new fashion collections to companies such as Versace and Louis Vuitton.

His body is expected to be transferred within the next few days to Asturias in northern Spain, where he grew up, so that he can be buried.

Cristina’s parents, former goalkeeper Nacho Perez, whose clubs include Sporting de Gijon and Moldovan-born mother Tatiana Galcenco, have yet to comment on their social media.

Photographer Xana de Jesus paid an emotional tribute: ‘I have nothing to say about this sad news other than to express to his parents Tatiana Galcenco and Nacho Perez and his family that a star shines forever in our hearts and my deepest condolences at such a painful time.

‘I will never forget your words, Cris. You have always been and will remain a role model and an example to follow, both in your modeling career and as a person. I’m so lucky to know you and work with you. ‘How unfair life is.’

Another heartbroken friend added: ‘Cristina is an angel and always has been.’

Cristina said in a recent interview: ‘My job is to create the image of what a brand wants to represent to the public, whether through catwalks or advertising campaigns.

‘I always say that the most satisfying part of this profession is the number of people, cultures and mindsets you meet.

‘They are so different from your comfort zone that you have no choice but to grow and adapt to them; On the other hand, I feel that the worst part of this job, which is loneliness, comes with it.

‘It’s a fact that no one around you can keep up with you because you’re always on the move, so learning to get along with yourself is one of the most important things.’

She admitted that her immaturity when she started modeling became a hindrance in facing some business-related challenges.

At the time of his death he was attending a course in Malaga.