Stephen “tWitch” Boss, choreographer, DJ, and co-host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has died.
County officials confirm to PEOPLE that the 40-year-old professional dancer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His death occurred on Tuesday at a motel in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Encino.
His wife, dancer Allison Holker, shared a statement about his death with People magazine.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she said. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends, and community above all else, and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”
“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” her statement continued. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
She ended her tribute, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
In addition to Allison, Boss is survived by children, Zaia, 3, Maddox, 6, and Weslie, 14.
Boss began his career as a contestant on MTV’s “The Wade Robson Project” in 2003 before finishing second on “Star Search.” He rose to fame on “So You Think You Can Dance,” where he finished fourth in Season 4 in 2008. Seasons 7-9 saw him as an all-star.
Beginning in 2014 as a DJ on Ellen DeGeneres’ self-titled daytime program, the dancer, choreographer, and TV personality eventually rose to the position of executive producer in 2020. He stayed with her until the finale of the embattled show in 2022.
Reacting to the devastating news, Ellen DeGeneres penned a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the pair hugging.
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light,” she wrote on Instagram. “He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him.”
DeGeneres concluded: “Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
Miracle Edee 