Nearly six months after the passing of Stephen “Twitch” Boss, a beloved figure known to many from “So You Think You Can Dance” and beyond, an autopsy report has revealed further details surrounding his unexpected death. For fans who watched his journey unfold from the dance competition stage to mainstream entertainment, the news continues to resonate deeply.
Stephen “Twitch” Boss, who captivated audiences with his dynamic dance moves on “So You Think You Can Dance” before becoming the DJ and an executive producer on the widely popular “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” died by suicide on December 13 of last year. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and deeply saddened his global fanbase, particularly those who first encountered his infectious energy on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
His wife, Allison Holker Boss, in a poignant interview with People Magazine in May, shared the disbelief and shock that those closest to Twitch felt. “No one had any inkling that he was low. He didn’t want people to know,” she expressed, highlighting the image Twitch projected – a beacon of positivity and strength. “He just wanted to be everyone’s Superman and protector.” This sentiment echoes the public perception of Twitch, built significantly from his time on “So You Think You Can Dance,” where he consistently radiated joy and encouragement.
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Boss, whose initial rise to prominence is inextricably linked to his memorable performances on the reality dance competition show “So You Think You Can Dance,” passed away due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Oak Tree Inn motel in Encino. This was confirmed by the L.A. County coroner report obtained by The Times. His journey from the “So You Think You Can Dance” stage to becoming a household name makes this news all the more tragic for those who followed his career trajectory.
The newly released autopsy report clarifies some lingering questions, confirming the absence of drugs or alcohol in the dancer’s system at the time of his death. This detail further underscores the perplexing nature of his passing for those who admired him since his “So You Think You Can Dance” days.
According to the report, Boss’s family indicated that he had no prior history of suicidal thoughts or attempts. The day before he was discovered by a motel housekeeper shortly after checkout time, his wife had filed a missing persons report with the Los Angeles Police Department. The timeline of events paints a picture of a sudden and unforeseen tragedy, a stark contrast to the vibrant personality many witnessed on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
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“It’s been really hard because I can’t understand what was happening in that moment [he died],” Holker Boss shared, echoing the sentiments of many who struggle to reconcile the joyful Twitch they knew with the circumstances of his death. For fans who traced his career back to “So You Think You Can Dance”, the news remains particularly difficult to process.
Boss left behind a note, the contents of which hinted at “past challenges,” leading investigators to conclude his death as a suicide, a conclusion now supported by the autopsy report. Despite his successful career, which blossomed after “So You Think You Can Dance”, and his seemingly happy public life, it’s evident that Twitch was grappling with unseen struggles. Notably, he did not have a will in place. In February, Holker Boss initiated a petition in Los Angeles to manage his half of their shared estate, another step in navigating the aftermath of this profound loss.
Following the tragic news, Ellen DeGeneres, who provided Twitch with a significant platform post-“So You Think You Can Dance,” expressed her profound grief.
“I’m heartbroken,” she wrote in an Instagram caption accompanying a photo of her and Boss sharing an embrace on the “Ellen” set. “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.” DeGeneres’ tribute highlights the impact Twitch had on those he worked with, extending far beyond his initial fame from “So You Think You Can Dance.”
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In January, weeks after his untimely death, the Boss family held an intimate funeral service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale to lay Twitch to rest. The outpouring of grief and remembrance continues to underscore the significant void left by his passing, not just within his family and circle of friends, but also amongst the countless fans who admired him since his early days on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Suicide prevention and crisis counseling resources
It is important to remember that help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for support. Call 9-8-8, the United States’ nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline, to connect with trained mental health counselors. Additionally, you can text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to access the Crisis Text Line.
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