Michaela DePrince, the renowned ballerina, passed away at the age of 29, with her death confirmed through social media posts from her family.
As of now, the specific cause of her death has not been disclosed by her family or friends.
Born Mabinty Bangura in Sierra Leone, DePrince was orphaned during the civil war and faced significant hardships in her early life.
She was adopted by an American family at the age of four and went on to become a trailblazer in ballet, performing with prestigious companies like the Boston Ballet.
DePrince was also known for her humanitarian efforts, advocating for children affected by war and serving as an ambassador for War Child Holland.
Her story inspired many, as she overcame immense adversity to achieve success in the ballet world, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience.
DePrince gained fame through the documentary "First Position" and appeared in Beyoncé's "Lemonade," further solidifying her influence.
The ballet community and fans have expressed deep sorrow over her passing, highlighting her impact on and off the stage.
While no memorial services have been announced, her family encourages donations to War Child in lieu of flowers, reflecting her commitment to helping children in conflict zones.