Michaela DePrince, the Sierra Leonean-born ballerina known for her groundbreaking contributions to the world of dance died on Friday, 13 September 2024. She was 29.
Story Summary:
Ballerina Michaela DePrince passed away at the age of 29.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
DePrince was celebrated for overcoming adversity to become a ballet icon.
Michaela DePrince dies: What’s the cause of death?
The news of her passing was confirmed by her family in a statement shared on her official social media pages.
While the family did not disclose the cause of death, they expressed their profound grief:
“Michaela touched so many lives across the world… She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”
Michaela Mabinty DePrince was born on 6 January 1995, in Sierra Leone amid the country’s brutal civil war.
Orphaned at a young age, she faced immense hardship, including being ostracised due to her vitiligo, a skin condition causing depigmentation.
Despite these challenges, DePrince’s discovery of a magazine cover featuring a ballerina while in a refugee camp ignited her dream to pursue ballet.
Adopted by an American family at the age of four, DePrince moved to the United States, where she trained in ballet.
Her exceptional talent quickly became evident as she rose through the ranks, earning scholarships and training at prestigious institutions such as the American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
DePrince’s career reached new heights when she starred in the 2011 documentary First Position and later performed with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
She became the youngest dancer in the history of the company.
In 2016, she appeared in Beyoncé’s Lemonade, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.
Over the years, DePrince danced with renowned companies such as the Dutch National Ballet and the Boston Ballet, where she joined as a soloist in 2021.
Throughout her career, DePrince remained a trailblazer, using her platform to break barriers for black ballerinas and advocate for underprivileged children through her work with War Child.
Reactions to DePrince’s death
The global dance community and fans alike have been mourning the untimely death of Michaela DePrince.
American ballet icon Misty Copeland took to social media to honour DePrince, sharing a video and excerpts from her book Black Ballerinas, where she wrote:
“Despite being told the ‘world wasn’t ready for Black ballerinas,’ she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides.”
Tributes have flooded social media, with one fan writing:
“Michaela DePrince was a symbol of perseverance and beauty in the ballet world. Her talent and story will continue to inspire generations.”
🙏🏿Take the time to watch this in honor of #MichaelaDePrince. Though she grew up in the ashes of unimaginable horror, pain, & tragedy, like dust she rose. Fo her life to end so abruptly at the age of 29 is heart wrenching. How can life be so cruel!😔💔💔😞pic.twitter.com/8hXKpd2kU0
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a bright light in the dance world and beyond. She leaves an enduring legacy of artistry, courage, and generosity. We send our deepest condolences to her loved ones.
Afika Peters is a versatile lifestyle and entertainment journalist at Swisher Post. She regularly covers trending topics across multiple verticals — including international celebrity news, fashion week highlights, viral content, movies, lifestyle tips, events, travel, health, and more . With recent stories ranging from Milan Fashion Week SS 2026 to fitness motivation, Lizzo cameo culture, and pet-emergency advice, Afika brings a fresh, engaging voice to her reporting
