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The mother of the late ballerina Michaela DePrince died one day after the death of her adopted daughter.
Elaine DePrince died Sept. 11 at 77 “during a routine procedure” that took place within 24 hours of her daughter Michaela’s death, according to a statement posted to Facebook by Jessica Volinski, a spokesperson for the DePrince family. Michaela was 29.
Elaine had been battling “a hereditary disease and heart failure” for many years, and, per Volinski’s statement, did not know that Michaela had passed away when she went in for her procedure.
“There has been a great deal of speculation online so the family would like to officially set the record straight about a few things. 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 in the post.
“[Michaela’s] mother Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery on September 11th. Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure.
“As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated,” the statement went on. “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.”
Volinski ‘s post continued, “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. We continue to ask for privacy and appreciate you directing anyone sharing incorrect information and speculation to this post.”
A separate post on Elaine’s Facebook page announced the news of her death.
“After many years of battling a hereditary disease and heart failure, we are saddened to bring you this news. Elaine DePrince passed away on September 11th at the age of 77,” the post read.
“She is survived by her children Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie and her two sons, Erik and Adam. The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time.”
On her Facebook page, Elaine described herself as “A former teacher, an author, a lyricist, and mother of 11.” She also noted that she wrote a book, “Cry Bloody Murder,” which she said was about hemophilia and HIV, and co-authored another book, “Taking Flight.”
The Post has reached out to Volinski for further comment.
Michaela grew up as an orphan in Sierra Leone before being adopted by Elaine and brought to her home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, joining Elaine’s 11 other children (nine of whom were adopted). Elaine enrolled Michaela in a dance class soon after the adoption.
“There was so much love right away,” Michaela told Glamour in 2015. “I had never been surrounded by something like that.”
Michaela was internationally renowned for her work, having been a ballerina at the Dutch National Ballet and, as of 2021, a principal soloist at the Boston Ballet. She starred in the 2011 documentary “First Position” and was featured in the 2021 movie “Coppelia.” She also performed on “Dancing With the Stars” during AT&T’s 2012 spotlight performance and in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” film.
Beyoncé remembered DePrince in a post on her website. “Rest in peace Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Your courageous journey and beautiful dance as one of the world’s best ballerinas, will stay with us always,” Beyoncé wrote.
Michaela’s death was confirmed in a post on her Instagram Friday.
“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,” a statement posted by “Team MDP” said.
“[Michaela’s] life was one defined 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. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”
“Though her time with us was far too brief, her brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come,” the statement concluded. “Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”
Michaela’s cause of death is not known.