*Elaine DePrince, the adoptive mother of late ballerina Michaela DePrince, passed away on September 11, just one day after Michaela’s sudden death at age 29.
PEOPLE reports that Elaine died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, following Michaela’s passing on September 10, according to a Facebook post from family spokesperson Jessica Volinski.
DePrince’s mother “died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery,” said Volinski, noting that Elaine “did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure.”
“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.
“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.”
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??Take the time to watch this in honor of #MichaelaDePrince. Though she grew up in the ashes of unimaginable horror, pain, & tragedy, like dust she rose. Fo her life to end so abruptly at the age of 29 is heart wrenching. How can life be so cruel!????pic.twitter.com/8hXKpd2kU0
— Queens R. Made (@QueenRMade1) September 13, 2024
“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 post read.
DePrince explained in a 2015 interview with Glamour that she was raised in an orphanage in Sierra Leone before being adopted by Elaine and moving to the U.S.
The news of DePrince’s death was confirmed in a statement posted by Team MPD to her official Instagram account.
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“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 statement read.
“Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” her team continued.
Team MPD added, “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. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”
Michaela’s cause of death is unknown at this time.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Sierra Leone Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, Who Starred in Beyoncé Video, Dies At 29 | VIDEO
