The ballerina's mother Michaela DePrince died at the age of 29, days after her daughter's death

The mother of late ballerina Michaela DePrince has died a day after the death of her adopted daughter.

Elaine DePrince died Sept. 11 at age 77 “during a routine procedure” that occurred within 24 hours of her daughter Michaela's death, according to a statement posted on Facebook by DePrince family spokeswoman Jessica Volinsky. Michaela was 29.

Elaine had been battling “a hereditary disease and heart failure” for many years, and according to Volinsky's statement, she did not know Michaela was dead when she went into her procedure.

“There has been a lot of speculation online so the family wants to officially set the record straight on a few things. The past few days have been more difficult than most people realize as the family is also dealing with the death of Michaela's adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince,” Wolinsky wrote in the post.

“[Michaela’s] Mother Elaine died on September 11 during a routine procedure in preparation for surgery. Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela's death during her procedure.

“As incredible as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated,” the statement continued. “The only way we can understand the ignorant 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.”

Volinsky's post continued, “What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who died in a 24 hour period is sad and devastating. We continue to ask for privacy and appreciate your guidance in sharing misinformation and assumptions in this post.”

Elaine's death was announced in a separate post on her Facebook page.

“After many years of battling a hereditary disease and heart failure, we are sorry to bring you this news. Elaine DePrince died on September 11th at the age of 77,” the post read.

“He is survived by his children Mia, Billy, Jay, Mariel, Amy and his two sons Eric and Adam. The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this difficult time.”

On her Facebook page, Elaine describes herself as “a former teacher, a writer, a songwriter and mother of 11.” He also noted that he wrote a book, “Cry Bloody Murder,” which he said was about hemophilia and HIV, and co-authored another book, “Taking Flight.”

The Post has reached out to Volinsky for further comment.

Michaela was raised as an orphan in Sierra Leone before Elaine was adopted and brought to her home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, joining Elaine's 11 other children (nine of whom were adopted). Elaine enrolled Michaela in a dance class soon after the adoption.

“There was just so much love,” Michaela told Glamor in 2015.

Michaela is internationally renowned for her work with the Dutch National Ballet and as a principal soloist with the Boston Ballet until 2021. He starred in the 2011 documentary “First Position” and starred in the 2021 film “Coppelia”. He also performed during AT&T's 2012 Spotlight Performance on “Dancing with the Stars” and Beyoncé's “Lemonade.”

Beyonce remembered DePrince in a post on her website. “Rest in peace Michaela Mabinti de Prince. Your courageous journey and beautiful dance as the world's best ballerina, will always be with us,” Beyoncé wrote.

Michaela's death was confirmed in a post on her Instagram on Friday.

“With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired so many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond,” a statement posted by Team MDP said. said.

“[Michaela’s] Life was defined by grace, purpose and strength. His unwavering commitment to his art, his humanitarian efforts and his courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She was a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from darkness.”

“Although his time with us was all too brief, his brilliance and legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all those touched by his story, for generations to come,” the statement concluded. “Love and prayers go out to his chosen family, friends and all who loved him.”

Michaela's cause of death is unknown.