Elaine DePrince, the mother of the late ballerina Michaela DePrince, tragically passed away just a day after her daughter’s sudden death. Michaela, who was 29, died on Tuesday, September 10. Elaine, a resident of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed on Wednesday, September 11, according to a family statement shared by spokesperson Jessica Volinski on Facebook.
DePrince, whose journey from a war-torn childhood to ballet stardom has inspired many, was celebrated not only for her talent but also for her humanitarian efforts and resilience in the face of adversity. “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 family wrote, emphasizing the impact her story had on people around the world.
Tragically, just 24 hours after Michaela’s passing, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, also died. Family spokesperson Jessica Volinski confirmed Elaine’s death through a Facebook post, revealing that Elaine passed away during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery. Volinski added, “Though Michaela died before Elaine, her mother did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure.”
Michaela DePrince’s life story was one of triumph over unimaginable hardship. Born in 1995 in Kenema, Sierra Leone, Michaela was orphaned during the country’s brutal civil war. At just three years old, she was placed in an orphanage, where she was shunned and labeled a “devil’s child” because of her vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation in patches of skin.
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In 1999, her life changed dramatically when she was adopted by an American couple, Charles and Elaine DePrince, who brought her to New Jersey. Noticing her early passion for ballet, Elaine enrolled her in dance classes, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually see Michaela performing on prestigious stages worldwide. Her remarkable journey from a war-torn orphanage to international ballet stardom was chronicled in books, documentaries, and media appearances, earning her a global fanbase.
Michaela was more than just a ballerina. She used her platform to advocate for young dancers and to promote awareness about the challenges faced by orphans and people with vitiligo. Over the years, she received several awards in recognition of her contributions to ballet and her advocacy work, becoming a role model for aspiring dancers across the globe.
Her death, followed so quickly by that of her adoptive mother Elaine, has deepened the sorrow felt by those who knew and loved them. The DePrince family’s statement concluded with words of hope: “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.”
Michaela DePrince’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, and her legacy will continue to inspire long after her untimely passing.
