The Devastating Death Of DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
Fans are reeling from the sudden death of Stephen "tWitch" Boss, per TMZ, who was best known for his role on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He started there in 2014 as an enthusiastic musical presence and, in 2020, became an executive producer. Prior to the show, he rose to fame as a contestant on Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2008, via People.
On Dec. 14, 2022, TMZ confirmed with the Los Angeles Police Department that Boss' cause of death appears to be suicide after he was found lifeless in a Los Angeles hotel. Earlier, his wife, Allison Holker, alerted authorities that she was worried since he had left the house without his car, which was unusual for him. Later, Holker, a fellow dancer, made an official statement.
"Stephen lit up every room he stepped into," she said. "He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him ... 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."
Boss, who was 40, leaves behind three children with Holker.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Celebrity tributes are pouring in after the news
Shortly before his death, Stephen "tWitch" Boss took to Instagram to celebrate his ninth anniversary with his wife, Allison Holker. Now, comments from fans and fellow celebrities — like Yvette Nicole Brown, Larsa Pippen, Niecey Nash, and Michelle Williams — are flooding that post and others, expressing shock, sadness, and support for his family.
Like Instagram, tributes are pouring in on Twitter, too, with the topic "RIP Twitch" currently trending. One video of Boss dancing on "So You Think You Can Dance" is racking up likes, with over 17,000 favorites and counting, as of this writing.
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho penned a tribute to his friend, attaching a video that shows the two in good spirits: "You'll be missed by brother," he began. "You'll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me. Stephen 'tWitch' gone way too soon." He finished with heartbroken emojis.
Comedian Tommy Chong of "Cheech and Chong" also tweeted: "Sometimes the happiest looking people from the outside are struggling on the inside. RIP Twitch."
Perhaps the most important celebrity tribute of all came from his former boss, Ellen DeGeneres (via TMZ): "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."
Death of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss prompts discussion of mental health
While details surrounding Stephen "tWitch" Boss' death are quite new, it's believed that the DJ died by suicide, per TMZ. This has prompted fans to discuss the importance of mental health, especially in the Black community, on social media.
"BLACK COMMUNITY !!!" begins one tweet amassing thousands of likes. "Listen, mental health!!! We gotta take that s*** seriously, pay attention to it, seek the help before considering taking your life. But all in all, everybody please stay safe! RIP Twitch."
Users in Lipstick Alley, a pop culture forum focused primarily on Black celebrities, observed that Boss' social media posts display no signs of distress or depression, which could have potentially helped prevent his death if noticed.
Yet, one Twitter user commented on the deceptive nature of social media: "Unfortunately what we post on social media doesn't reflect all parts of our lives. We don't know what people are going through unless they tell us. This news is just sad, RIP Twitch."