World Renowned Ballerina Michaela Deprince (29) dies suddenly

[KimTisha]

Terribly sad, she overcame so much in her short life but accomplished so much also. Very nice story at link.

Rest in peace, Michaela...




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ince-dies.html

Trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince has died suddenly aged 29, her spokesperson revealed Friday.

DePrince's family have not offered a cause of death for the young dancer, who won waves of fans by sharing her story as an orphan who escaped violence in Sierra Leone to become a world-renowned ballerina.

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 'Lemonade' music video.
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 read.

'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.'

[Boston Babe 73]

Ugh. It sounds like suicide. I hope bullying wasn't a factor in it if that's what it turns out to be. There's a couple of Black Irish Dancers that get ROASTED and bullied constantly by racists on videos and articles about them. "Cultural Appropriation of the Irish" and "That isn't Irish dancing, they're doing it wrong" etc. They've both competed in the Worlds multiple times and it's hard work to get there in the first place.

I've also seen many Black Ballerinas being bullied and even the Black Rockettes. It's gross.

She was beautiful.

[kevansvault]

Yeah, people are fucking disgusting. "Like, look, she's an amazing dancer, but she's black so she's really not even a person." That's all they're on about. If only we could drag all those sisterfuckers to the woods and never see them again, the world would be a better place.

Suicide was my go-to explanation as well, and that just makes me angry that she would have to be subject to so much torment, hate and harassment that she felt the only way out was by taking her own life. My heart aches for her parents who raised her after adopting her from war torn Sierra Leonne. I just can't.

This was completely preventable, but this didn't happen overnight. It happened over years and years of torture and abuse at the hands of people who should have been kicked in the jaw with every slur, every rude or insensitive comment. Fuck those people. I hope every single one of the haters spends eternity suffering for their part in her demise.

Of course, we don't know the truth just yet, but let's be honest, we've seen where this road leads. I sincerely hope this isn't the case, however. So very sad.

[Nic B]

Curious as to COD.

[Bewitchingstorm]

Her mom died the day after she died.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news...os=...&ref=app

[Nic B]

OMG...

“Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure. As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated," Volinski wrote. "The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the loss of a fourth child."

Ugh.

[Angiebla]

Like Nic, I would love to know the COD, and if it stemmed from her medical mistreatment as a child.

[Boston Babe 73]

This is ALL so tragic

[Angiebla]

There is a disease associated with ballerinas, its the first thing that came to mind, but I dont want to be the one who says it.

[Bewitchingstorm]

Anorexia?

[Angiebla]

or bulemia. Im not saying she had it.

I really dont think it was suicide, though I could be wrong.

[Bewitchingstorm]

or bulemia. Im not saying she had it.

I really dont think it was suicide, though I could be wrong.

Same.

[Boston Babe 73]

@Ang, all of the photos of her don't paint the picture of an ED though. She's a healthy weight in everything I've seen.

The fact that they wouldn't release the COD and she was so young with no known health issues tells me that it's likely Suicide. I don't wish it was that, it's tragic no matter what happened.