Key Takeaways:
– Former “Dancing with the Stars” guest, Michaela Mabinty DePrince and her mother Elaine both tragically died within a day of each other.
– Michaela’s death occurred first, with Elaine unexpectedly passing during routine surgical preparations.
– The DePrince family has clarified that the two deaths are unrelated.
– The family previously suffered a significant loss when Michaela’s adopted father, Charles, passed away in 2020.
– The family has requested respect and understanding during their time of immense grief.
Two Days, Two Tragedies for the DePrince Family
Barely 24hrs after losing their beloved daughter and sister, the DePrince family faced an unimaginable second blow. Michaela Mabinty DePrince, a skilled ballerina and one-time guest performer on “Dancing with the Stars”, passed away at 29, the family shared in an Instagram post on September 13. On the following day, they reported the death of Michaela’s adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, through Facebook.
Remembering Elaine DePrince
Amid the enormous heartbreak, the family clarified the timeline and details surrounding the death of their loved ones. They revealed that Michaela passed away on September 10, contradicting some media reports that indicated her death occurred on the 13th. Elaine DePrince, unfortunately, died during routine pre-surgery procedures on September 11.
Addition of Salt to DePrince Family Wounds
As if not enough, these consecutive deaths were a double blow to the family that had earlier lost Charles DePrince, Michaela’s adoptive father, in 2020. Combating Parkinson’s disease for quite some time, Charles’ death was a significant loss for the family.
The role of Elaine in adopting and raising Michaela and her sister Mia, from Sierra Leone to the United States, mirrors the remarkable woman she was. The DePrince family had earlier adopted three boys, all of whom contracted H.I.V. due to hemophilia and later died. The inspiration to adopt Michaela and Mia can be traced back to one of these boys.
Michaela and Elaine’s Legacy Lives On
Michaela leaves behind her siblings: Erik, Adam, Mia, Amie, Jaye, Mariel, and Bee. The cause of her death remains undisclosed by the family.
In the midst of their grief, the DePrince family paid a heartfelt tribute, stating that the two unrelated deaths seem unbelievable. They found a semblance of comfort in the thought that Elaine, having already endured the pain of losing three adopted children in the past, was spared the grief of losing a fourth.
Lamenting the Devastating Loss
The family spokesman, Jess Volinski, who is also Erik’s wife, voiced the family’s gratitude for the support they’ve received. She acknowledged the immense pain the family was going through, terming it as unimaginably painful.
Amid their grief, the DePrince family acknowledged the rumours and online speculations about the double tragedy. They reiterated the desire for privacy as they mourn the loss of Michaela and Elaine.
Support for DePrince Family
Many fans and followers expressed condolences and support for the DePrince family. The shared sentiments echoed a mix of sorrow over the family’s enormous loss and admiration for both Michaela and Elaine. The world indeed lost two amazingly special people whose lives and impact will continue to be admired and loved. Regardless of the hardship, the DePrince family continues to inspire and remain resilient.
Michaela’s prowess as a dancer and Elaine’s compassionate heart will remain their lasting legacy. It’s a tough time for their loved ones, yet their memories will provide strength for those mourning these irreplaceable losses.