Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a famous ballerina from NJ and mother died within 1 day of each other

Famed ballet dancer Michaela Mabinti DePrince and her adoptive mother died within a day of each other, their family confirmed to ABC News this week.

Michaela DePrince died Sept. 10 at age 29, and her mother, Elaine DePrince, who adopted her as a young girl, died Sept. 11 “during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery,” according to a family statement shared on Facebook. The DePrince family did not immediately share Michaela DePrince's cause of death.

“As incredible as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated,” the family said in part in their statement, which was also shared with ABC News. “The only way we ignorant people can understand is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was spared the pain of losing a fourth child by the grace of God.”

The DePrince family called their setback “truly unimaginably painful.”

“Grieving two family members who died within a 24-hour period is sad and devastating,” they said.

Michaela DePrince was Boston Ballet's second soloist, saying the “Good Morning America” ​​artist, who was part of the company from September 2021 to May 2024, “will be sorely missed.”

“It has been an absolute honor to have Mabinti with our company for three seasons. Her indomitable spirit has inspired so many,” Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen said in a statement. “Her courage and perseverance will have a lasting impact on the dance community here in Boston and around the world.”

Boston Ballet Executive Director Ming Min Hui also praised Michaela DePrince's artistry and her lasting influence, not only in the ballet world, but beyond.

“Mabinti was as beautiful as she was on stage. She was an advocate for what ballet could be, as a great art form and a great source of inspiration and hope for people,” Hui said. “She was brave enough to be willing to share not only her art, but also her story with the world.”

DePrince was adopted from an orphanage in war-torn Sierra Leone, joining a large family with 10 other siblings in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

She graduated from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of American Ballet Theater in 2012 and rose to fame as a young black dancer when she appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” at just 17 years old.

He eventually turned professional, joining the ranks of the Dance Theater of Harlem, where he made history as the youngest dancer to perform a lead role, according to the company. He joined the Dutch National Ballet as a soloist before joining Boston Ballet in 2021.

He was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2020.

In addition to dancing, Mikaela DePrince served as an ambassador for War Child, a Dutch non-profit organization that advocates for children in war-torn countries.

Tributes were paid to the dancer after her death.

“Mikaela was taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and family,” the Dutch National Ballet said in a tribute to DePrince.

American Ballet Theater and ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School also paid tribute to Micaela DePrince on Instagram, writing, “Micaela's remarkable journey from ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and ABT Summer Intensive to the world stage has inspired countless dancers and her resilience, grace and talent are an indelible mark on the world of dance.” Left behind we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those touched by his light.”

Renowned ABT principal dancer Misty Copeland, meanwhile, shared an excerpt about Michaela DePrince from her book “Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy” on Instagram, adding, “Michaela had so much more to give, not just ballet, but the world as her legacy. Will inspire generations of dancers, but his absence will be deeply felt.”