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Michaela DePrince, a celebrated ballerina, passed away suddenly at the age of 29 on September 10, 2024. Tragically, her mother, Elaine DePrince, died just one day later during a routine medical procedure, unaware of her daughter's passing.
Michaela's dream began when she found a magazine picture of a ballerina at the orphanage, sparking a lifelong ambition. Under Elaine's support, Michaela went on to study at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and performed with prestigious companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet.
The news of Michaela's death was confirmed through a statement on her official Instagram account, which read: "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." The cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery, and she did not know about Michaela's death at the time. Volinski noted, "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 is devastated by this double tragedy. Volinski expressed the family's grief, stating, "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." The family has requested privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
Michaela DePrince's story has inspired many. Her memoir, "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina," chronicles her journey from the orphanage to the stage and has touched readers worldwide. She also co-authored a children's book, "Ballerina Dreams," to inspire young readers with her story of resilience and determination.
