The mother of late ballerina Michaela DePrince has died, just 24 hours after her daughter’s sudden death on Tuesday at age 29.
Elaine DePrince, a resident of Cherry Hill, NJ., died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, following the death of her adoptive daughter Michaela the day before on Sept. 10, according to a Facebook post from family spokesperson Jessica Volinski.
“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.
Elaine “died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery," Volinski said, while also noting that although “Michaela died before Elaine,” her mother “did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure.”
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“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."
"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.
PEOPLE has reached out to Volinski for further comment.
Michaela was a professional ballerina for the Boston Ballet before her death, and star of the 2011 First Position documentary.
She grew up as an orphan in Sierra Leone before being adopted by Elaine and her family and moving to the U.S., she told Glamour in 2015.
Passionate about dancing since childhood, she studied at the American Ballet Theatre's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet before joining the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2012. She also danced for the Dutch National Ballet and joined the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist in 2021.
The news of DePrince's death was confirmed in a statement posted to her official Instagram account on Friday, Sept. 13.
"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, signed by "Team MDP," began.
DePrince's life was "one defined by grace, purpose, and strength," her team continued. "Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us," remembering the dancer as someone who "stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places."
Team MPD continued, by adding, "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."
No cause of death has been shared for Michaela at this time.
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