Michaela DePrince, a celebrated ballerina known for her work with Boston Ballet, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2024, at 29. Just 24 hours later, her mother, Elaine DePrince, died during a routine medical procedure at 77, unaware of her daughter’s death.
The family confirmed that the two deaths, though close in time, were unrelated. Elaine DePrince, known for adopting 11 children alongside her late husband Charles, was a former special education teacher. Michaela and her sister Mia, both from Sierra Leone, were adopted by the DePrinces in 1999.
Michaela DePrince gained international fame as a ballet soloist, performing with Boston Ballet and Dutch National Ballet. She also appeared on Dancing with the Stars and collaborated with Beyoncé on Lemonade. Madonna had optioned her autobiography, Taking Flight, for a film adaptation.
Elaine DePrince is survived by seven of her children. No further details on Michaela’s cause of death have been released.
