Stephen “tWitch” Boss committed suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
In a statement, county officials confirm that the 40-year-old professional dancer died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He died on Tuesday in a motel in the Encino district of Los Angeles.
The case has been formally closed, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Allison Holker Boss, a former So You Think You Can Dance contestant and the late star’s wife, spoke on Wednesday about her husband’s death.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share that my husband Stephen has left us,” Allison, 34, said. “Stephen brought light into every room he walked into. He valued his family, friends, and community above all else. He believed that leading with love and light was the greatest way to go. He served as the foundation of our family, was the best husband and father, and served as an example to his followers.”
“It would be an understatement to say he left a legacy, and his positive influence will be remembered for a long time,” she added. “I’m confident that there will never be a day when we don’t remember him. We respectfully seek your privacy during this difficult time for myself and our three children.”
Allison wrote to her husband, “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” at the end of her post.
Allison and his children Zaia, 3, Maddox, 6, and Weslie, 14, survive Boss.
Before finishing second on Star Search, Boss rose to prominence as a contestant on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project. He later appeared on So You Think You Can Dance in 2008, finishing the season as runner-up and then returning as an All-Star. He participated as a judge when the show returned in 2022.
In 2014, Boss made his debut as a guest DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He eventually became a regular character on the program, and he was appointed to co-executive producer in 2020.
Ellen DeGeneres responded to the devastating news with a sweet statement and a photo of the duo hugging.
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was nothing but pure light and love.” She shared on Instagram. “I just had love to give him since he was my family. He will be sorely missed.”
“Please provide your love and support to Allison and his gorgeous children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia,” DeGeneres urged at the end of her speech.
So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars contestants, as well as celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, JoJo Siwa, and Jada Pinkett Smith, paid tribute to Boss online.
“He was incredibly nice, compassionate, and generous,” Pinkett Smith stated. “So many individuals suffer in silence. I wish he’d realized he didn’t have to do it. May the Great Supreme cradle his dazzling, beautiful soul in His arms, and may the same Higher Power heal his loved ones’ wounded hearts.”
