The mother of the late ballerina Michaela DePrince has passed away just 24 hours after her daughter’s sudden death on Tuesday at age 29.
Elaine DePrince, a Cherry Hill, NJ resident, died on Wednesday, September 11, after the death of her adoptive daughter Michaela on September 10, according to a Facebook post by family spokesperson Jessica Volinski.
Volinski wrote that the past few days have been "even more difficult than most people realize" due to the loss of Michaela’s adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince.
Elaine "died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery," Volinski stated, adding that while "Michaela died before Elaine," Elaine "did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure."
Volinski emphasized that "as unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated," and noted that Elaine, who had previously lost three children, was "by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child."
The post continued, describing the family's grief: "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."
Michaela DePrince was a professional ballerina with the Boston Ballet and was featured in the 2011 documentary First Position. She grew up as an orphan in Sierra Leone before being adopted by Elaine and her family, later moving to the U.S., as she shared in a 2015 interview with Glamour.
The news of her death was confirmed in a statement on her official Instagram account on Friday, September 13.
The statement, signed by Team MDP, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Michaela, whose artistry and spirit left a significant impact on the world of ballet and beyond.
The team highlighted Michaela's "life defined by grace, purpose, and strength," acknowledging her dedication to her art, humanitarian work, and her resilience in overcoming profound challenges. She was remembered as "a beacon of hope for many," showing that "beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places."
Though Michaela's time was brief, Team MDP emphasized that her "brilliance and legacy will continue to shine" in the hearts of those touched by her story.
Michaela's cause of death has not been disclosed. A passionate dancer from a young age, she studied at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet, danced with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and joined the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist in 2021.
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