Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned ballerina, passed away suddenly at the age of 29 on September 10, with no cause of death announced. Tragically, less than 24 hours later, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, also passed away due to an unrelated illness on September 11 during a routine procedure ahead of surgery. Elaine was 77.
Family spokesperson Jess Volinski shared the news, noting how especially difficult the past few days have been for the DePrince family as they grapple with the losses of both Michaela and Elaine. Elaine had adopted Michaela from Sierra Leone at the age of four, not knowing about her daughter’s passing before her own death.
"As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated," Volinski said. "The only way we can make sense of this is that, by the grace of God, Elaine was spared the pain of losing a fourth child," referring to the three children Elaine and her late husband Charles adopted who died in the 1990s after contracting HIV.
Elaine and Charles DePrince had adopted Michaela, born Mabinty Bangura, from a Sierra Leone orphanage during the civil war, along with another girl, Mia, who shared the same name. Michaela, who had vitiligo, had been rejected by other prospective families. Inspired by a photo of a ballerina, she pursued ballet, eventually studying at prestigious institutions and performing with renowned companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet.
"What the family is enduring is unimaginably painful," said Volinski. "Grieving two family members within 24 hours is tragic and devastating." Elaine DePrince, who was also a special education teacher, leaves behind her children Mia, Amie, Jaye, Mariel, Bee, Erik, and Adam.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and has urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation or speculation.