Content warning: The following article discusses the topic of suicide and mental health which may be triggering for some readers. Help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
In tragic news, American dancer tWitch (Stephen Boss), known as the DJ on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, has died – aged 40.
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His widow, Allison Holker, 34, confirmed the news in a statement to The Post.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” she 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.”
The mum-of-three 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.”
It has been reported that Holker, also a professional dancer, ran to the LAPD station after Boss left home without his car – behaviour which she claimed was unlike him. Later, the police received a call about an incident in an LA hotel, where they found tWitch’s body.
An autopsy has concluded the dancer died by a gunshot wound to the head; it appears he took his own life.
Tributes have flown in fast for the So You Think You Can Dance alum, including from his former boss and dear friend Ellen, 64.
“I’m heartbroken,” the talk show host said in a statement to The Post. “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.”
Friend of 20 years Justin Timberlake also honoured Boss via Twitter.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors,” the singer wrote.
“I’ve known Twitch for over 20 years through the dance community—he always lit everything up. You just never know what someone is really going through.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also deemed the news “heartbreaking”.
“Sending his family all the love, light, strength and mana. I’ve lost a lot of friends to the struggle. You never know what’s happening between the ears. So sorry Boss family. Stay strong,” he wrote on Twitter.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.
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