Table of Contents
The death of professional ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince shocked fans, but her family is also reeling from the death of her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince.
A family spokesperson revealed on Saturday, September 14, that Michaela and Elaine died within 24 hours of each other in unrelated events. (Michaela and her sister, Mia Mabinty DePrincewere adopted by Elaine and her husband when she was four years old.)
“The past few days have been even more difficult than most people realize as the family has also been dealing with the death of Michaela’s adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince,” a spokesperson said. Jess Volinski divided into a Facebook statement.
Volinski confirmed that Michaela died on Tuesday, September 10, but did not reveal the cause of death. Michaela was 29. Meanwhile, Elaine died on Wednesday, September 11, “during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery.” She was 77.
Hollywood mourned many celebrities in 2024. Speed Racer star Christian Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 in a fatal plane crash on January 5. Oliver was heading home from a Caribbean vacation with his two daughters — Madita and Annik, whom he shares with wife Jessica Klepser — on Jan. 4. […]
“Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine was unaware of Michaela’s death at the time of her procedure,” the statement continued. “Unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated.”
Volinski added: “What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who passed away 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.”
On Friday, September 13, news broke that Michaela had passed away. “She was a beacon of hope to many and showed that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest places,” a statement said shared via her official Instagram read.
The statement highlighted Michaela’s ballet talents, saying her “artistry has touched countless hearts and whose spirit has inspired many and left an indelible mark on the ballet world and beyond.”
Michaela’s story has captivated audiences for years after she was born in Sierra Leone and raised in an orphanage after the deaths of both parents, who died in the country’s civil war. Michaela was only three when her parents died.
Michaela moved to New Jersey the following year after being adopted along with her sister. Her adoptive mother, Elaine, soon discovered her interest in ballet and enrolled her in classes.
That passion turned into a profession after Michaela graduated from high school and the American Ballet Theater’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. She became the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theater of Harlem.
Michaela then danced with the National Ballet before returning to the US and joining Boston Ballet in 2021. She was a principal dancer with the company and wrote two memoirs: On the run: from war orphan to star ballerina And Ballet dreams – before her death. Michaela also performed Beyonce‘s visual album Lemonade.
“Oh no 💔😔,” Jennifer Garner wrote in the comments section on Instagram after hearing about Michaela’s death.
Dancing With the Stars The Dancing With the Stars group is getting new members! Marcquet Hill, Stephani Sosa, Kailyn Rogers and Roman Nevinchanyi will all join the group for season 33 of DWTS, which premieres on Tuesday, September 17. The group consists of professional dancers who perform in the show, but none […]
Fellow dancer Misty Copeland revealed via Instagram that she was “devastated by this news.” She gushed about Michaela, writing, “Michaela had so much more to give, not just to ballet, but to the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt.”
Copeland, 42, added: “The ballet world and all those whose lives she touched will miss her dearly. She was a bright light and her impact will never be forgotten.”
Michaela’s family was also happy with the kind messages they received. “Thank you to everyone for your messages of support in response to Michaela’s passing, as well as to those in the press who contacted the family directly for statements,” the spokesperson wrote on Saturday. “The entire family is so grateful and comforted by your support.”