Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies At 29; Adoptive Mother Elaine Unexpectedly Passes Away The Next Day [CONDOLENCES]

Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies At 29; Adoptive Mother Elaine Unexpectedly Passes Away The Next Day

In a heartbreaking twist, ballerina Michaela DePrince’s passing was followed by the unexpected death of her adoptive mother just one day later.

Michaela DePrince, the celebrated principal dancer who graced the stages of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dutch National Ballet, and Boston Ballet, died on Sept. 10, 2024. Her death was met with widespread grief and admiration for her remarkable career and inspiring life story.

Michaela DePrince

Tragically, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, passed away the following day, Sept. 11, 2024, during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery.

Elaine DePrince

Family spokesperson Jess Volinski shared in a Facebook statement, saying,

“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.”

Jess Volinski clarified that Elaine DePrince was unaware of Michaela’s death at the time of her procedure, emphasizing that the two deaths were “completely unrelated.”

The statement continued,

“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.”

The DePrince family’s statement expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and asked for privacy during this profoundly painful time.

Michaela DePrince’s death was initially announced on Instagram, where her team shared,

“With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.”

Michaela DePrince’s life was defined by resilience, rising from her early struggles as an orphan in Sierra Leone to becoming a top ballerina, as detailed in her memoirs Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and Ballet Dreams. In addition to her ballet career, DePrince was a dedicated humanitarian, working with War Child Holland and hosting her own charity gala, Dare to Dream, to support children affected by conflict.

Condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Michaela and Elaine DePrince. Share your thoughts below.