Stephen “tWitch” Boss has died at the age of 40.
Boss was best known as the famed DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
His wife Allison Holker confirmed his death in a statement on Wednesday (14 December), writing: “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.”
Holker continued: “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 honour his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”
On Tuesday (13 December), according to TMZ, Holker “frantically” visited Los Angeles Police Department to report that Boss had uncharacteristically left home without his car.
The publication reports that the police department later responded to a call about a shooting at an LA hotel, where they found Boss dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.
His death is still pending additional investigation by the LAPD Medical Examiner.
The Independent has contacted Boss’s representative for comment.
Since word of his death, a host of celebrities have shared tributes across social media, with “heartbroken” Ellen DeGeneres honouring Boss in an emotional post.
Boss initially rose to fame as a contestant on MTV’s The Wade Robson Project. In 2008, he competed on season four of So You Think You Can Dance, where he finished in second place. Later, he returned to the show as an All-Star, and again in 2022 as a judge.
He joined Ellen as a DJ in 2014 where he remained a fan favourite until the daytime’s conclusion in June. In 2020, DeGeneres named him an executive producer of the show.
Boss is survived by his wife Holker and their three children: Zaia, three, Maddox, six, and Weslie, 14.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, the Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
