Warning: this story contains graphic content
Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a hip-hop dancer and DJ on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” whose viral social media videos alongside his dancer wife Allison Holker touched millions over the pandemic, died this week at the age of 40.
Now, an updated report by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has revealed that Boss died as a result of injuries sustained from a gunshot wound. Boss was found, according to the report, on Dec. 13 in a hotel or motel and his cause of death has been ruled a suicide. The case status has been closed.
Boss got his big break on the popular TV dance series “So You think You Can Dance” where he eventually met and married fellow dancer and show contestant Allison Holker. They have three children.
Holker issued a statement confirming her husband’s death to Good Morning America, saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us.”
“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,” Holker’s statement read. “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. 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,” Holker continued in her statement to the GMA.
Boss was a runner-up on season 4 of SYTYCD and made frequent appearances on the show in following seasons as an all-star and as a guest judge.
He was a DJ and co-host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” from 2014 until the show ended this year.
He’s also appeared in a number of films, including “Magic Mike XXL and the “Step Up” dance movie franchise.
“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” Holker wrote.
Tributes for the popular dancer and his family have continued to pour in.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama wrote, “I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and his three children during this difficult time.”
Viola Davis wrote in a tribute posted to Instagram, “THIS is heartbreaking. All of how and who we are cannot be seen. I am praying for his family and all of us who loved him.”
Kalen Allen, popular media personality who worked with Boss, tweeted, “To my beloved friend, confidant, and brother… God knows, my heart is at a standstill because I have never known a friend like you. No words, dance, or show can adequately capture just how magnificent your existence was to this world and me.”
Ellen Degeneres tweeted, “Right now what I want to do is remember all the love and laughter I had with tWitch. He brought so much joy to my life. I know he brought joy to yours too.”
Former NBA star Dwyane Wade posted on Twitter: “Anyone who’s had an encounter with tWitch is hurting hearing this news today. Grateful to have had this moment with you in your light.”
Questlove posted his condolences on Instagram, saying “May his family find resolution in this dark time. May we all find peace of mind in our everyday lives. Everyday is a winding road & you just may never know who is on the edge.”
Jada Pinkett-Smith who worked with Boss on a movie, posted a tribute on Instagram that said, “My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind.” Her post continued, saying, “So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn’t have to.”
Tommy Chong posted on Twitter, “Sometimes the happiest looking people from the outside are struggling on the inside. RIP Twitch.”
If you are thinking of suicide or know someone who is, there is help. Resources are available online at talksuicide.ca or you can connect to the national suicide prevention helpline at 1-833-456-4566.
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