AceShowbiz - The ballet world is reeling from the devastating news of the sudden deaths of celebrated ballerina Michaela DePrince and her adoptive mother Elaine DePrince within a day of each other. Michaela, known for her incredible journey from an orphanage in Sierra Leone to becoming an internationally-renowned ballet dancer, passed away on September 10 at the age of 29. The very next day, her mother Elaine died at 77 during a routine medical procedure, unaware of her daughter's passing.

The tragic circumstances were detailed by family spokesperson Jessica Volinski in a heartfelt Facebook post. "There has been a great deal of speculation online so the family would like to officially set the record straight about a few things," Volinski wrote. "Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela's passing at the time of her procedure."

Elaine had been suffering from a hereditary disease and heart failure for many years. Volinski expressed the family's grief and sense of divine intervention, "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."

Michaela DePrince's remarkable life story continues to inspire many. Born Mabinty Bangura in war-torn Sierra Leone, she was orphaned by the age of 3 and endured harsh conditions in an orphanage. Adopted by Elaine DePrince at the age of 4, Michaela overcame numerous challenges, including malnutrition and racial discrimination, to become a premier soloist with the Boston Ballet.

Her journey from adversity to acclaim was documented in the 2011 film "First Position", and she performed on platforms like "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce Knowles' "Lemonade". She also balanced her dance career with humanitarian work, notably as an ambassador for War Child Holland.

Elaine DePrince, described on her Facebook page as "a former teacher, an author, a lyricist, and mother of 11," had also endured immense personal loss. She lost three adopted sons to AIDS contracted from HIV-tainted blood products, prompting her to advocate for the safety of blood products for hemophiliacs.

The DePrince family has expressed appreciation for the privacy and respect they've been shown during this difficult time. "What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful," Volinski noted. "Grieving two family members who died within a 24-hour period is tragic and devastating."

Michaela's legacy of resilience and artistry will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations. "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," her family wrote.