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)
Following the unexpected death of renowned ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince last week, the DePrince family is now facing another tragedy.
Michaela’s mother, Elaine DePrince, passed away less than 24 hours after her daughter in what family members describe as a tragic and unrelated incident, according to USA Today.
The DePrince family confirmed the sudden death of Michaela, which occurred on Sept. 10. However, they shared the heartbreaking news over the weekend that Elaine passed away 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 passed away 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.
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As a toddler, she saw her first ballerina in 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 from a skin pigmentation disorder that led to her being labeled “the devil’s child” at the orphanage.
She was later adopted by an American couple and by the age of 17, she had been featured in a documentary film and had performed on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” She was also chosen by Beyoncé to star in her “Freedom” music video from the 2016 “Lemonade” album.
After completing 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 transitioned from Harlem to the Netherlands, where she danced with the Dutch National Ballet. She eventually returned to the U.S. and joined the Boston Ballet in 2021.
DePrince is survived by five sisters and two brothers. Instead 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.”
