Stephen “tWitch” Boss, DJ on Ellen, and accomplished dancer from numerous So You Think You Can Dance seasons, tragically died on Dec. 13, 2022, in a motel in Encino, Calif.

The information of tWitch’s passing was announced to the public after his wife, Allison Kolker Boss, gave a statement to multiple news outlets regarding his death. 

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker Boss said in a statement to CNN. “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.” 

The public later received the news that tWitch was found with a gunshot wound to his head in the motel. The LA County Medical Examiner soon ruled his death to be suicide.   

The ruling of tWitch’s death shocked many fans across the globe, especially considering that he seemed generally happy-spirited, and would often post words of affirmation to help motivate his followers to live through whatever pain they were dealing with. 

tWitch first rose to fame by appearing as a contestant in 2008 on So You Think You Can Dance, but placed as the runner-up. However, because of his unique skills and loveable personality, he appeared numerous times throughout later seasons. He got to be a captain in Season 12, and even a judge in Season 17. It was through this show that he met his wife, Allison. 

More people became familiar with the name ‘tWitch’ when he became the DJ on Ellen in 2014. Over the course of their time together, tWitch and Ellen grew as close friends. 

“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,” Ellen shared on Dec. 14 via Instagram. 

At this time, Kolker Boss has asked fans to respect the privacy of herself and their three kids as they take time to mourn the loss. However, thousands of comments on social media have appeared under the family’s posts, sending them prayers, sorrow, and gratitude for the legacy that tWitch has left for future generations.