Alabama native and former 'Ellen' DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss dies at 40

Famous dancer, producer and actor Stephen “tWitch” Boss died Monday in Los Angeles. Police said the 40-year-old Alabama native committed suicide.

Police were first alerted by Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss, when she went to an LAPD station and to report her husband had left the house without his car. Around 11:15 a.m., TMZ reported that a 911 call came in from an L.A. hotel where Boss was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Investigators determined the gunshot was self-inflicted.

Originally from Montgomery, Boss graduated from Lee High School in 2000 and danced at Southern State Community College (SUSCC) in Wadley for several years before moving to California to study dance at Chapman University.

SUSCC released the following statement after officials at the school learned of his death:

"The Southern Union family is shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss. Stephen attended SU's Wadley Campus in 2000 and was always a joy on campus during his time in the dance department. We ask that you please keep his wife and 3 children in your thoughts and prayers during this time."

Boss was a naturally-talented dancer with a unique style and ability to “twitch” in a robotic way, wowing crowds.

He became best known as the DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” but he first rose to fame in 2008 when he was runner-up on “So You Think You Can Dance.” He was also a judge on the show earlier this year. Boss previously co-hosted “Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings” with Allison and had appearances in “Magic Mike XXL,” “Modern Family” and “Step Up All In.”

Boss’ wife released a statement to People saying that her husband was the backbone of her family. The two just celebrated their nine-year anniversary over the weekend. Like many people that knew Boss, she said he lit up every room he went into.

"Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you," Allison Holker Boss stated.

DeGeneres also made a statement on Twitter saying, "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."

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. pic.twitter.com/lW8Q5HZonx
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 14, 2022