Michaela DePrince's death was announced on her Instagram page and confirmed by her family on Facebook, where they paid tribute to "an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story".

They said her death was "sudden" but no further details have been released.

DePrince was born in war-torn Sierra Leone as Mabinty Bangura. She spent some of her early childhood in an orphanage, before being adopted by a couple from New Jersey.

After being enrolled for ballet classes as a child, she went on to become a star.

"It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince," her family said in their statement. "Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours."

The statement on DePrince's Instagram page paid tribute to a dancer whose "artistry touched countless hearts and whose spirit inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ballet, and beyond".

The tribute continued: "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.

"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."

'Resilience, strength, grace and courage'

DePrince made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, before moving to the Netherlands to perform with the Dutch National Ballet. She then returned to the US to dance with Boston Ballet.

The Harlem school was among those paying tribute, saying on X that her story "is one of resilience, strength, grace, and courage".

DePrince published a memoir, Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina, in 2014, followed by a second book, Ballet Dreams.

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In her tribute, US ballerina Misty Copeland shared a video of DePrince along with an excerpt about her from her own book, Black Ballerinas - describing her as a "one-of-a-kind dancer with the most remarkable journey".

She said: "Despite being told the 'world wasn't ready for Black ballerinas' or that 'Black ballerinas weren't worth investing in,' she remained determined, focused, and began making big strides."

DePrince's legacy "will continue to inspire generations of dancers, but her absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply", Copeland added.

She continued: "The ballet world, and all those whose lives she touched, will miss her profoundly. She was a bright light, and her impact will never be forgotten."