Ballerina Michaela DePrince's mother has also tragically passed away just 24 hours after the former's sudden death at the age of 29.
As per a Facebook post from family spokesperson Jessica Volinski, Elaine 'Mamma E' DePrince died on September 11, a day after her adoptive daughter's death. It was confirmed that she died during a routine health procedure before surgery.
"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.
"Her mother Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for 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 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," she said before stating that the family is going through an "unimaginably painful" time right now.
"We continue to ask for privacy and appreciate you directing anyone sharing incorrect information and speculation to this post," she concluded the devastating post.
It comes just one day after Michaela, who once starred in a Beyoncé music video, died at the age of 29. Her team announced her passing on Instagram as they said: "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."
"Her 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."
Her cause of death remains unknown. Her last Instagram post was cited as eerie by her fans, in which she could be seen dressed in an all-black ensemble, with a hand-gesture peace sign emoji in the caption. Khalid’s song ‘Better’ with the lyrics: "Nothing feels better than this, nothing feels better" was also linked to the post.
Michaela appeared on the American version of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing With the Stars, when she was just 17-years-old. Her time on the show led to her starring in pop star Beyoncé’s Lemonade video in the segment called Hope. The dancer first gained recognition on the programme First Position.
It followed Michaela and other young dancers as they prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix dance competition. Michaela shared her inspiring story of escaping systemic violence in Sierra Leone, Africa to become a world-class dancer. She was born in Mabinty Mangura and grew up in an orphanage.
Michaela was underfed and treated poorly before she was adopted by an American couple at the age of four. The dancer then spent her childhood in New Jersey where she trained as a ballerina. Throughout her career, Michaela was an advocate for children in war zones.
Her now late mother Elaine and her husband Charles DePrince adopted Michaela at the age of four. The DePrince family has 11 children, nine of whom were adopted.
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