Just one day after Boston Ballet principal soloist Michaela Mabinty DePrince died at the age of 29, her adoptive mother Elaine DePrince also passed away from an unrelated illness. Elaine DePrince died during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery. The family spokesperson, Jess Volinski, shared the news on Facebook, thanking everyone for their support amid Michaela’s death.
The statement clarified that Elaine and Michaela DePrince’s deaths were completely unrelated. Elaine, who had already lost three children years ago, was spared from experiencing the loss of a fourth child. The family requested privacy as they grieve their losses.
Michaela DePrince’s death was announced on Instagram on Friday. She was born in Sierra Leone during the civil war and was sent to an orphanage after her parents died. Elaine DePrince planned to adopt her friend from Africa, but ended up adopting both girls after learning that Michaela had been rejected by 12 families because of her vitiligo.
Michaela, who was fascinated with ballet from a young age, became the youngest ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem at 17 and later joined Dutch National Ballet before becoming a principal soloist at the Boston Ballet. She openly shared her love for ballet through social media posts and performances.
Elaine DePrince’s unexpected death added to the family’s grief, with the statement emphasizing the unrelated nature of both losses. Michaela DePrince’s legacy as a talented ballerina and her journey from Sierra Leone to dance stages around the world remains an inspiration to many.
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