Groundbreaking ballerina Michaela DePrince dies suddenly at the age of 29

Groundbreaking ballerina Michaela DePrince has died suddenly at the age of 29, her spokesman announced on Friday.

DePrince's family has not released any information about the cause of death of the young dancer, who won numerous fans with her story as an orphan who escaped violence in the African country of Sierra Leone and became a world-famous ballerina.

Born Mabinty Mangura, she was malnourished and abused in an orphanage for the first few years of her life before being adopted by a couple in New Jersey at the age of four.

She became an instant star at the age of 17 when she appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and was best known for her leading role in Beyonce’s music video “Lemonade”.

Announcing her death on Friday, DePrince's spokeswoman said her “art touched countless hearts and her spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet and beyond.”

“Her life was marked by grace, determination and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts and her courage to overcome unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us,” the statement said.

“She was a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty and greatness can emerge from even the darkest places.”

“Although her time with us was far too short, her genius and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all those touched by her story for generations to come. Love and prayers go out to her adopted family, friends and those who loved her.”

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

She said she spotted a picture of a ballerina on a magazine cover and “all I remember is that she looked really, really happy.” From that moment on, she vowed to “become that exact person.”

Born Mabinty Mangura, DePrince was malnourished and abused in an orphanage during the early years of her life before becoming a world-famous dancer.

She described her tragic story as follows: “I lost both my parents and was there (in the orphanage) for about a year and was not treated very well because I suffered from vitiligo (a skin disease).”

“We were sorted by numbers and number 27 was the least popular number and that was my number, so I got the least food, the least clothing and so on.”