Ballerina Michaela DePrince died coincidentally a day before her mother, family shares
FILE-Elaine DePrince (L) and Ballerina Michaela DePrince attend the Jockey "Show'Em What's Underneath, Show'Em Your Jockey" Event in NYC at One World Observatory on April 26, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Jockey)
After the unexpected passing of famed ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince last week, another tragedy is now affecting the family.
DePrince's mother, Elaine DePrince, died less than 24 hours after her daughter passed away in what family members say is a tragic and unrelated coincidence, USA Today reported.
The DePrince family confirmed Michaela's sudden death, which occurred on Sept. 10. But over the weekend they shared the heartbreaking news that Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery on Sept. 11.
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In a statement posted on Elaine DePrince’s Facebook page, family spokesperson Jess Volinski wrote, "The last few days have been even more difficult than most people realize because the family has also been dealing with the death of Michaela’s adoptive mother Elaine DePrince."
"Michaela passed away on September 10th, not the 13th as some places have reported. Her mother Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery on September 11th. Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure. As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child."
"What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who died within a 24 hour period is tragic and devastating. We continue to ask for privacy and appreciate you directing anyone sharing incorrect information and speculation to this post."
Who was Michaela Mabinty DePrince?
Michaela DePrince was a star ballerina and author who escaped war-torn Sierra Leone to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
DePrince died at 29 years old on Sept. 10 and her death was announced via a statement on DePrince’s Instagram page. The cause of death was not immediately known.
RELATED: Michaela DePrince death: Tributes pour in for beloved ballerina
She was a toddler when she saw her first ballerina — an image in a magazine page blown against the gate of the orphanage where she ended up during Sierra Leone’s civil war. It showed an American ballet dancer posed on tip toe.
DePrince suffered a skin pigmentation disorder that had her labeled "the devil’s child" at the orphanage.
She was later adopted by an American couple and by age 17 she had been featured in a documentary film and had performed on the TV show "Dancing With the Stars." She was also hand-picked by Beyoncé to star in her "Freedom" music video from the 2016 "Lemonade" album.
After graduating from high school and the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, she became a principal dancer at Dance Theatre of Harlem and made history as the youngest dancer to be featured in principal roles.
DePrince then went from Harlem to the Netherlands, where she danced with the Dutch National Ballet. She later returned to the U.S. and joined the Boston Ballet in 2021.
DePrince is survived by five sisters and two brothers. In lieu of flowers, her family requested that donations be made to War Child, an organization DePrince was involved with as a War Child Ambassador.
"Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength," a statement about Michaela on Instagram says. "Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.
"Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her."