The dance world and beyond are mourning the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a celebrated ballerina who passed away on September 10th at the young age of 29. Adding to the profound sorrow, her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, died just one day later on September 11th. The family’s announcement of these back-to-back tragedies has left many seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding Michaela DePrince’s death. While tributes pour in celebrating her inspiring life and career, details regarding the specific cause of her passing remain undisclosed, leading to questions about how this vibrant artist’s life came to an end so suddenly.
The DePrince family, in a statement shared with ABC News and on social media, confirmed the devastating news of both deaths. They emphasized that the two deaths were “completely unrelated,” offering a poignant reflection that Elaine DePrince, who had already endured the loss of three children previously, was spared the unimaginable pain of outliving a fourth. While the statement acknowledged the “unimaginably painful” nature of grieving two family members within 24 hours, it did not specify the cause of death for Michaela. Regarding Elaine DePrince, the family mentioned her passing occurred “during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery,” suggesting complications arose unexpectedly.
Michaela DePrince’s career as a dancer was marked by remarkable achievements and resilience. As a second soloist with the prestigious Boston Ballet from September 2021 to May 2024, she left an indelible mark on the company and the wider dance community. Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, in a statement to “Good Morning America,” expressed the company’s deep sense of loss, stating, “It was an absolute honor to have Mabinty in our Company for three seasons. Her indelible spirit inspired so many.” He further highlighted her lasting impact on the dance world, emphasizing her “courage and perseverance.”
Echoing these sentiments, Boston Ballet Executive Director Ming Min Hui praised Michaela’s artistry and broader influence. “Mabinty was just as beautiful on the stage as she was off,” Hui remarked, recognizing her advocacy for ballet as “a much bigger art form and a much bigger source of inspiration and hope for people.” Hui celebrated Michaela’s bravery in sharing both her artistic talent and her personal story with the world, a narrative that began in war-torn Sierra Leone.
Adopted from a Sierra Leonean orphanage and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as part of a large family with ten siblings, Michaela DePrince’s journey was truly extraordinary. She distinguished herself early as a young Black dancer, graduating from American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in 2012. Her talent garnered national attention, including an appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” at the age of 17.
Professionally, Michaela’s career ascended rapidly. She joined Dance Theatre of Harlem, becoming the youngest dancer to perform principal roles, a historic achievement for the company. She then advanced to the Dutch National Ballet as a soloist before her tenure with Boston Ballet. Her accomplishments were recognized by Forbes, who named her to their 30 Under 30 list in 2020. Beyond her dance career, Michaela dedicated herself to humanitarian work as an ambassador for War Child, a Netherlands-based non-profit supporting children in conflict zones.
The outpouring of tributes reflects the profound impact Michaela DePrince had on the dance world and beyond. The Dutch National Ballet mourned her “far too soon” departure, while American Ballet Theatre and the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School jointly acknowledged her inspirational journey from their school to global stages, emphasizing her resilience, grace, and talent as leaving an “indelible mark.”
Misty Copeland, famed principal dancer with ABT, shared an excerpt from her book “Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy,” dedicated to Michaela, stating, “Michaela had so much more to give, not just to ballet, but to the world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply.”
While the question of “how did Michaela DePrince die?” remains officially unanswered, the tributes and memories shared underscore the vibrant life she lived and the significant void her passing leaves. Her legacy as a dancer, advocate, and inspiration will undoubtedly endure, even as the dance community and her admirers grapple with the sadness of her untimely death and the unexplained circumstances surrounding it. As more information becomes available, the focus remains on celebrating her extraordinary contributions and remembering the bright light she brought to the world.
