The National Sports Authority (NSA) of Sierra Leone, through its Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has expressed deep condolences to the family of renowned Sierra Leonean-born ballet dancer Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the age of 29.

In a statement, Dr. Abdulai recognized DePrince’s global influence, describing her death as a significant loss. “This is a loss not only to the bereaved family members but also to the sporting circle. She left a mark on the global stage. Whenever her name is mentioned in the foreign press, Sierra Leone takes half of the glory. We pray the family finds comfort in this time of sorrow,” he said.

Michaela DePrince, who was adopted from an orphanage in Sierra Leone and raised in the United States, went on to become a world-class ballet dancer, performing on some of the most prestigious stages across the globe. Her life and journey, from war-torn Sierra Leone to international acclaim, served as an inspiration to many.

Her family also shared their grief in a statement posted on DePrince’s social media accounts, saying, “Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story.”

The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.