The mother of the late dancer Michaela DePrince has passed away, just 24 hours after the sudden death of her daughter at the age of 29.
Elaine DePrince died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, one day after the death of her adopted daughter Michaela, according to a Facebook post by family spokeswoman Jessica Volinski.
“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,” Volinski wrote.
‘Her mother, Elaine, died during a routine procedure prior to surgery on September 11. Michaela predeceased Elaine and Elaine was unaware of Michaela’s death at the time of the operation.’
‘As incredible as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way to make sense of the absurdity is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was spared, by the grace of God, the pain of suffering the loss of a fourth child.’
The mother of late dancer Michaela DePrince has passed away, just 24 hours after her daughter’s sudden death at the age of 29; Michaela seen in 2022
“What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. To grieve the deaths of two family members 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.”
Michaela’s sudden death was announced by her spokesperson on Friday.
DePrince’s family has not revealed the cause of death of the young dancer, who won waves of fans by sharing her story as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra Leone to become a world-renowned dancer.
Born Mabinty Mangura, she suffered malnutrition and abuse in an orphanage for the first few years of her life, before being adopted by a couple in New Jersey at the age of four.
She rose to stardom at age 17 when she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and was best known for her leading role in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” music video.
Announcing her death on Friday, DePrince’s spokesman said her “art touched countless hearts and her spirit inspired so many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.”
“Her life was marked by grace, purpose and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” the statement read.
‘She was a beacon of hope to many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from the darkest of places.
“Although her time with us was all too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all those who were touched by her story, for generations to come. Our love and prayers go out to her chosen family, her friends, and those who loved her.”
In an interview with the Associated Press in 2012, DePrince recalled the moment inside an orphanage when she realized she wanted to be a dancer.
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