Beyoncé dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star dies aged 29 as tributes pour in

A dancer who once starred in a Beyoncé music video has died aged just 29.

Michaela DePrince's heartbroken team announced her passing on Instagram as they paid tribute to the young star. They said: "With pain in our hearts, we share the loss of star ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, whose artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond."

They added: "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. 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."

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Her cause of death remains unknown. When she was just 17-years-old Michaela appeared on the American version of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing With the Stars. As reported by the Mirror, her time on the show led to her starring in pop star Beyoncé’s Lemonade video in the segment called Hope.

The dancer first gained recognition on the programme First Position. It followed Michaela and other young dancers as they prepared for the Youth America Grand Prix dance competition. Michaela shared her inspiring story of escaping systemic violence in Sierra Leone, Africa to become a world-class dancer. She was born in Mabinty Mangura and grew up in an orphanage.

Michaela was underfed and treated poorly before she was adopted by an American couple at the age of four. The dancer then spent her childhood in New Jersey where she trained as a ballerina. Throughout her career, Michaela was an advocate for children in war zones.

She had vitiligo, which is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose color or pigment. Michaela became a voice for others with the condition. Tributes have poured in for Michaela following the tragic news as one person said: "I remember watching the documentary first position over and over again. I loved her story. I’ve followed her ever since. She was a beautiful dancer."

Another added: "I always hoped to meet her. Truly such an inspiration. Her legacy will live on." Someone else commented: "Oh no. This can’t be true. My daughter and I have been following her on social media since we discovered her in First Position. She was the so inspiring!!! We loved her! Such a sad day for us all."

Ballet and dance competition Youth America Grand Prix shared tribute as they said: "The entire YAGP family extends our heartfelt condolences to all who loved and knew Michaela and the unique gifts and beauty she brought to the world. May her memory serve as a light and inspiration for all."

American DJ, D-Nice added: "Oh no! My friend. Heartbroken. Rest well, Mabinty." Actor Barton Cowperthwaite commented: "Devastated. The world is a much better place because of her." Dancer Alex Wong simply wrote: "Omg."

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