Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dead at 29

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who was a principal soloist for the Boston Ballet, has died at age 29, her family shared Sept. 13. No cause of death has been released.

By Sabba Rahbar

The dance world is in mourning. 

Boston Ballet principal soloist Michaela Mabinty DePrince has died at the age of 29. The news of her death was confirmed by her official Instagram account Sept. 13, although no cause of death was shared.

"Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength," the statement read. "Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us."

They added, "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."

DePrince was born Mabinty in Sierra Leone in 1995, but was soon sent to an orphanage after both of her parents died during the country's 11-year civil war. At the age of 4, she was adopted by an American family, who spoke out to share their grief after the ballerina's passing.

"It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince," the DePrince family shared in a statement to Facebook. "Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story."

DePrince's sister, Mia Mabinty DePrince—with whom she was adopted from Sierra Leone as children—added her own reflections on her sister's death, writing, "I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here"It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince," the DePrince family shared in a statement to Facebook. "Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story. "