Michaela Deprince death: The dance world mourns the loss of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a renowned principal soloist with the Boston Ballet, who has tragically passed away at the age of 29. The news of her death was shared by her family on September 13, but as of now, no cause of death has been revealed. Many fans are searching for answers, asking, “What happened to Michaela DePrince?” However, her family has chosen not to disclose further details at this time.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Courage
Born Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone in 1995, DePrince faced unimaginable challenges from an early age. After losing both parents during the country’s civil war, she was sent to an orphanage. Yet, it was there that she stumbled upon an image that would change her life—a magazine photo of a ballerina in a sparkling pink tutu. That moment sparked a dream that would lead her on a journey to become one of the world’s most celebrated dancers.
In a 2012 interview, DePrince reflected on that pivotal moment, saying, “I had never seen anything so beautiful. That image became my hope, my love, and everything I didn’t have.”
DePrince was later adopted by an American family at the age of four, alongside her sister Mia Mabinty DePrince. The sisters grew up in New Jersey, where Michaela’s adoptive parents enrolled her in dance classes at the prestigious Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. Her dedication and talent earned her a place at the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet and later positions with the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the Dutch National Ballet.
In 2021, she joined the Boston Ballet as a principal soloist, leaving her mark on stages worldwide. Her artistic journey and humanitarian efforts made her an unforgettable figure, inspiring countless people, especially those who heard her incredible story.
Family and Friends Share Their Heartache
In the wake of her sudden passing, DePrince’s family shared their grief publicly. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince,” her family wrote in a Facebook statement. “Michaela touched so many lives, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
Her sister Mia, who was adopted alongside her, also expressed her heartbreak, saying, “I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here. Whether she was leaping across the stage or providing dance lessons to orphans in third-world countries, she was determined to fulfill her dreams in the arts and dance.”
Mia continued, “Michaela has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed. I love you, my beautiful Butterfly.”
A Life Cut Short, but a Legacy That Will Endure
DePrince’s passing has left a void in the dance world, but her legacy continues to inspire. The Boston Ballet expressed their deep sorrow in an Instagram post, saying, “We were so fortunate to know Mabinty. She was a beautiful person, a wonderful dancer, and she will be greatly missed.”
While the question of what happened to Michaela DePrince remains unanswered, her legacy of grace, courage, and determination will live on for generations. She is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, and Amie, as well as her brothers Adam and Erik.
Her story, from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to the world’s grandest ballet stages, is one that will continue to inspire and move hearts long after her passing. Her life was defined by grace, purpose, and strength, and that will forever be her legacy.