Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss has passed away at the age of 40.
His wife, Allison Holker, confirmed his death to PEOPLE in an exclusive statement, but TMZ was first to report the unfortunate news. Both outlets say Stephen died of an apparent suicide.
“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. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”
Allison added:
“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.”
Allison and Stephen share three children together, 14-year-old Weslie, 6-year-old Maddox, and three-year-old Zaia.
Stephen was better known as tWitch in the entertainment industry. In 2014, he took a DJ position on Ellen DeGeneres’s talk show. By 2020, he was named an executive producer. He remained with the show until its finale in May.
RIP Twitch. Only 40 years old.
Here’s a vid of him dancing with his little king. 😞 pic.twitter.com/vx4FDoQzfa— ωєєкℓу иєωѕι¢αℓ (@WeeklyNewsical) December 14, 2022
Stephen first gained visibility in 2008 when he wowed audiences as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance. The judges named him runner-up in season four, but he later returned as an All-Star contestant.
Allison and tWitch met on the all-star season of SYTYCD as competitors. They got married in 2013.
Earlier this year, tWitch returned to the show once again, but this time as a judge.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewatched this performance when it first aired by Twitch and Alex Wong on SYTYCD. One of the best things that I’ve ever seen. RIP Twitch 💔 pic.twitter.com/84fj58PFr0
— Ashtynn (@ThatsSoAshtynn) December 14, 2022
Beyond Ellen and SYTYCD, Stephen also expanded his resume to actor and host. He appeared in several Step Up movies and Magic Mike XXL, and also hosted shows like Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons.
Multiple Reports Say Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Died Of Suicide
His wife didn’t specify the cause of death. However, as mentioned, multiple outlets have claimed tWitch died of suicide. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Allison arrived at a Los Angeles Police Department station on Tuesday (December 15) “frantic” over Stephen leaving the house without his car–an unusual move.
Shortly afterward, police got a call about a medical emergency at a Los Angeles hotel. Upon investigation, police reportedly discovered Stephen’s body. Officials pronounced the famed dancer dead at the scene “from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Fans, Friends & Industry Peers Share Their Condolences For tWitch’s Passing
During their downtime, tWitch and Allison also entertained the masses with their choreographed dances online. Sometimes their kids joined in. The latest dance video was uploaded to Allison’s Facebook page just two days ago.
She closed her statement about his passing with a reference to their dancing.
“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” Allison said.
The couple also recently celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.
&& 4 daays ago they were just celebrating their anniversary. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. This is so sad. RIP Twitch. My heart goes out to his wife and family pic.twitter.com/b0SBIyuVSt
— Mamba Out ✌🏾✌🏾 (@kcjj_04) December 14, 2022
Since the news broke, fans, friends, and industry peers have shared their condolences, including Ellen and Jada Pinkett Smith.
I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children – Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia. pic.twitter.com/lW8Q5HZonx
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2022
You’ll be missed by brother. You’ll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me.
Stephen “tWitch” gone way too soon 💔💔💔. RIP tWitch. pic.twitter.com/rxthGUTPLZ
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 14, 2022
Just earlier this year…man. I’ll never forget how watching him dance made me feel. RIP tWitch. A true talent. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/xhrOKDZceU
— JAYLION (@yojaylion) December 14, 2022
RIP Twitch only the real ones have been following you since SYTYCD such a great dancer 🥺🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/uwuGzZS9gr
— Florence Fadiga (@fluette) December 14, 2022
If Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s passing should tell us anything, it’s that we never know what anyone else might be going through. Treat people with a little bit more kindness this season.
RIP Twitch. pic.twitter.com/T2OyCZWbDt— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) December 14, 2022
The amount of joy this video brought to my life. I would watch it over and over and over again. I wish he could have been given the same. Devastating. RIP Twitch. pic.twitter.com/POh2heS1Zt
— KayyDott (@KayyMickey) December 14, 2022
