Michaela DePrince ballet star sudden death at age 29 as cause of death remains unknown as dancer from Sierra Leone coped with racial discrimination, adversity, mental health to eventually become celebrated star and humanitarian.
A ballerina star hailing from war ravaged Sierra Leone who went on to achieve critical acclaim in the United States as a dancer has suddenly died at the age of 29.
Michaela DePrince’s cause of death to date remained unclear, with her family declining to publicly address the young dancer’s sudden cause of death.
The ballet star captured hearts and legions of fans after escaping her ordeal as an orphan in war torn Sierra Leone to become one of the world’s most renowned ballerinas.
Born Mabinty Mangura, she was malnourished and mistreated in an orphanage in the early years of her life, before she was adopted by a couple in New Jersey at the age of four.
She rocketed to stardom aged 17 when she appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and was best known for her leading role in Beyonce‘s 2016 smash, ‘Lemonade’ music video. Other notable performances included the ballerina being featured in the 2021 movie ‘Coppelia.’
DePrince would go on to become a public figure in the dancing world along with serving as a humanitarian, NBC10 Philadelphia reported.
DePrince as part of her humanitarian feats also served as the ambassador for War Child Holland, an independent non-governmental organization that works to ensure children have access to protection, education and psychosocial support.
In announcing her death on Friday, DePrince’s spokesperson said her ‘artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond.’
‘Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,’ the statement continued.
‘She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.
‘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. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.’
In an interview with the Associated Press in 2012, DePrince recalled the moment inside an orphanage where she realized she wanted to be a dancer.
She said she spotted an image of a ballerina on a magazine cover, and ‘all I can remember is she looked really, really happy.’ From that moment, she vowed ‘to become this exact person.’
While at the orphanage, DePrince said she struggled through mistreatment, malnourishment and the skin disorder vitiligo.
DePrince told AP that she then walked shoeless for miles to reach a refugee camp after receiving word that her orphanage would be bombed. She, along with two other girls, were then adopted by a couple from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She then moved to the United States at the age of 4.
Explaining her tragic backstory, she told the outlet: ‘I lost both my parents, so I was there (the orphanage) for about a year and I wasn’t treated very well because I had vitiligo (a skin condition).’
‘We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and what not.’
‘They came to me sick and traumatized by the war,’ her adoptive mother told the Associated Press in 2012. ‘Michaela arrived with the worst case of tonsillitis, fever, mononucleosis and joints that were swollen.’
DePrince said her time in the orphanage impacted her for years.
During her dance journey, DePrince said she experienced racial discrimination. When she was rehearsing for ‘The Nutcracker’ at the age of 8, she was told, ‘I’m sorry, you can’t do it. America’s not ready for a black girl ballerina,’ according to the Associated Press.
It remained unclear if the acclaimed ballerina was struggling with mental health issues leading up to her death and whether her demise was the result of suicide as some have speculated on social media.
