Ellen DeGeneres Speaks Out After Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Who DJ’d Her Show for 8 Years, Dies at 40

Just hours after it was revealed and confirmed that Stephen “tWitch” Boss had died at the age of 40 on December 13, Ellen DeGeneres is speaking out. As many of you who loved seeing tWitch’s smile already know, following his stint on So You Think You Can Dance, he became the resident DJ on Ellen’s uber-successful talk show.

Since his first time on the show in 2014, tWitch and Ellen became the best of friends. Now, in a statement she shared on her Instagram account, Ellen is revealing just how much he meant to her.

“I’m heartbroken,” Ellen wrote alongside a photo of her and tWitch hugging on the stage of her show. “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.”

And more of tWitch’s friends followed suit:

Ciara:

Kerry Washington:

Nischelle Turner:

Emmanuel Acho:

Maksim Chmerkovskiy:

Ariana DeBose:

You can read Mamas Uncut’s original report below:

The world is in shock after breaking news revealed that Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who gained popularity after he was a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and later a DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, has died.

BREAKING NEWS: Dancer and DJ ‘tWitch’ Dead at 40

According to initial reports, tWitch — who is married to fellow dancer Alison Holker — reportedly left home without his car, something his wife told the LAPD after she ran to the nearest station. Leaving home without his vehicle was unlike him. Holker was reportedly frantic as she looked for help.

TMZ further reports that shortly after Holker ran to the LAPD for help, they received reports of a shooting at a hotel. It was there police found Stephen dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

While Holker didn’t share what may have led to tWitch taking his own life, she did leave this statement with People magazine:

“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. Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

Stephen Boss is not only survived by his wife, but also by his beloved stepdaughter and his two biological children, which he shares with Alison. Just two days ago, on Sunday, December 11, Holker took to Instagram to share a video of her and her husband dancing together like they usually do.

Holker and tWitch have been married since 2013. He was just 40 years old at the time of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Holker and the rest of tWitch’s loved ones during this heartbreaking time.

If you or someone you know is dealing with depression or thoughts of suicide, please call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. Help is near.