Michaela DePrince's sister shares heartbreaking tribute to ballerina and her mother after their shock deaths

The sister of trailblazing ballerina Michaela DePrince has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the dancer and her adoptive mother after their shock deaths.

The ballerina, who was born Mabinty Mangura, died aged just 29 from unknown causes on September 10.

Only a day later her adoptive mother, Elaine DePrince, died during a 'routine procedure in preparation for a surgery,' the family revealed.

The deaths were 'completely unrelated,' a spokesperson for the family said - adding that the mother was unaware her adopted daughter had died and was 'spared the pain' of experiencing the loss of a fourth child. 

Michaela's sister Mia DePrince took to Instagram after the two tragedies to share moving childhood memories of her sister, adding that she was 'truly in a state of shock and deep sadness.'

'From the beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets. She would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor,' she began her post.  

'When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today,' she continued. 

'She was an inspiration. Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance. Michaela (Mabinty) has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed.

'I love you, my beautiful Butterfly,' she concluded.

A family spokesperson said Michaela's 'passion and impact on the dance world' would be missed, alongside her 'gorgeous smile.' 

The ballerina is survived by her sisters Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie, and her brothers Adam and Erik. 

The Sierra Leonean ballerina's final Instagram post showed her in all-black ensemble and was captioned with a peace sign emoji. 

Michaela 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.

When 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.'

In an interview with the Associated Press in 2012, DePrince recalled the moment she realized she wanted to be a dancer while at the oprhanage.

She said she spotted an image of a ballerina on a magazine cover, and 'all I can remember is she looked really, really happy.' From that moment, she vowed 'to become this exact person.'

Explaining her backstory, she told the outlet: 'I lost both my parents, so I was there [at the orphanage] for about a year and I wasn't treated very well because I had vitiligo [a skin condition].'

'We were ranked as numbers and number 27 was the least favorite and that was my number, so I got the least amount of food, the least amount of clothes and what not.'

In lieu of flowers, DePrince’s family has asked people to donate to War Child, an organization supported by the famed ballerina.