Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a former DJ on The Ellen Show and judge on So You Think You Can Dance, died at age 40. The cause of death was reported to be suicide. 

“The death of tWitch is very heartbreaking. Ever since I was little, I looked up to tWitch because he was on a lot of the dance shows I watched,” said Jacklynn Barragan (‘25). 

tWitch was a runner-up in 2008 on So You Think You Can Dance, which then opened the door for him to be a DJ on The Ellen Show. He started on the talk show in 2014 and eventually became an assistant executive producer. He was there until the final season which ended in May 2022. 

“He had a very long successful career pursuing dance, and he was an idol for so many people who wanted to take a similar path,” said Barragan. 

It was reported  by the LA Police Department that tWitch had left his house in LA without his car, and that is when his wife, Allison Holker, reported his disappearance to LAPD. He was found on the floor of a hotel room in LA, with a gunshot wound that seemed to be self-inflicted. 

“When we see an artist like that pass, it reminds us that we have to appreciate people while they are here. Also, if they have had a creative contribution to society, when they pass, so does the creative contribution,” said Drama Teacher Kyle Johnston. 

The confirmation of Boss’s death was announced by his wife through People magazine. He was found dead on Tuesday, Dec. 13 around 12 p.m. But, his death was not announced to the public until 7 a.m. on Dec. 14. 

“He bridged a medium that was not typical on television and consumed for popular entertainment on a Tuesday night. He took dance, which is typically academic, and put it in everyone’s living room,” said Johnston. 

tWitch and his wife had a YouTube Page where they danced together and with their children.  

“The legacy that tWitch left was the message that everyone can pursue dance, you just have to give it your all and try hard every day. He left a very important message out into the world, and he will always be remembered,” said Barragan. 

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.