A DJ best known for appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show has died aged just 40. The death of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss was confirmed by his wife Allison Holker Boss.
Boss joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2014 as a guest DJ but eventually became a permanent fixture on the popular show. He was made a co-executive producer in 2020.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Allison 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."
She 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."
She ended her heart-breaking statement with a message for her husband, saying: "Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
Boss leaves behind three children, aged three, six and 14.
TMZ reported that Boss was found dead at an LA hotel from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, although his death is still being investigated.
Boss initially found fame as a contestant on MTV's The Wade Robson Project, and in 2008, he competed on So You Think You Can Dance, finishing in second place. He returned to the show earlier this year as a judge.
Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the DJ. On Twitter, one said: "RIP tWitch. We knew him on Ellen’s show but we loved him on the best dance show — World of Dance. He was so smart, so gregarious, entertaining, insightful. What a dancer’s dancer."
"I love you twitch, always lifted up everyone every time you showed up on screen, we’ll all miss you," another added. And Joey Hickson tweeted: "Rest in paradise my brother, you’ll be forever missed."
