World-famous Sierra Leone-born ballerina, Michaela DePrince, has died at the young age of 29.

A statement released by her family said DePrince who was the principal soloist at Boston Ballet, passed away on Friday.

“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,” the statement said.

“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. Love and prayers go to her chosen family, friends, and those who loved her.”

Born Mabinty Bangura in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince lost both parents tragically died in the country’s civil war and was adopted by an American family at the age of four.

In various interactions with the media, DePrince had credited her years in an orphanage, where she found a magazine featuring the photo of a ballerina, as what led her on the path to becoming a professional dancer.

DePrince grew up in an orphanage, where she was cruelly mistreated and mocked for her vitiligo.

“They thought of me as a devil’s child. They told me every day how I wasn’t going to get adopted because nobody would want a devil’s child,” she told the BBC in 2012.

However, she and another girl named Mabinty, who now goes by Mia, were adopted by Elaine and Charles DePrince in New Jersey in 1999.

DePrince became a world star and barrier-breaking ballerina after appearing on “Dancing With the Stars” and in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” film when she was just 17.

After fixating on an image of a ballerina in a magazine, DePrince enrolled in ballet school in Philadelphia and performed at the Youth America Grand Prix. She was one of six primary subjects in the 2011 documentary First Position, trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet in New York, and appeared in an episode of Dancing With the Stars the same year.

She went on to join the Dutch National Ballet’s junior company and later became second soloist for the Boston Ballet.

She rose to fame after graduating from high school and made history as the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

A dedicated humanitarian, DePrince also advocated for children affected by conflict and violence.

A Ghanaian activist, Texas Kadri Moro, has embarked on a one-man protest across Accra, the country’s capital, in support of gay rights and the LGBTQ community.

Moro, who is the Executive Director of Arise for Justice International, carried out his protests with placards nailed on a cross on the streets of Accra, on Thursday, and rounded up on Saturday.

The activist who spoke with journalists at the end of the march, said he is heterosexual, married to a woman and a father of six. He stated that he is a teacher and a practising Muslim.

“Justice begins where inequality ends or judging others on their sins is simply an act of arrogance and pride,” he said, echoing some of the messages on his large placard.

“To say that they are sinners and they should go to prison when you yourself, you are also a sinner? Is it because they are a minority?”

Speaking on Ghana’s anti-gay bill which was passed by parliament early this year, Moro said:

“There are so many issues about rights when it comes to the bill. Homosexuality does not affect anyone. We have activities that people are doing in the country that are worse than homosexual activities, like adultery. The parliament, he said, should be more concerned with other crimes and pollution.”

Moro said since he began his protests, he has lost his job, has not received any assistance from the LGBTQ+ community, and has become a target of very hostile attacks from the Muslim community. But he declares that he is not deterred neither will he back down.

Moro also marched in Accra in April and in Cape Coast in July, wearing pink which he says is a symbol of love.