Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Posted 'Keep Going' Before Death—'Don't Give Up'

Stephen "tWitch" Boss posted a message about not giving up prior to his death.

The former Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ died by suicide on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner confirmed to Newsweek. He was 40 years old.

Boss' wife, Allison Holker, announced his death in a statement on Wednesday.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us," the 34-year-old told People. "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.

"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 honor 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."

Boss is survived by Holker and their three children: Weslie, 14, Maddox, 6, and Zaia, 3.

On November 15, Boss shared a quote from Commanding Life's Instagram account.

"You are always attracting the support and resources needed to complete your life vision. Trust that the Universe is working behind the scenes to move you closer to the fulfillment of your dreams. Don't give up; keep going," the message read. "You have what it takes to succeed. You're not far from what you desire. It will manifest soon. Get ready to receive more than you can imagine."

At the time of publication, the post racked up more than 25,000 likes. In the replies, fans expressed their shock over his death.

"How hard you must have worked to put on a brave face on social media to make the world think you were ok," one person wrote in a comment, which garnered nearly 2,000 likes. "I'm sorry you were hurting. You will be missed."

"With a post like this and the recent events, you never really know what a person is going through themselves," someone else said, while a third agreed: "Really wish you could have read and believed. I'm so sorry you reached that dark place…. You'll be missed by so many. Rest in peace."

Boss rose to fame as a contestant on MTV's The Wade Robson Project before appearing on Star Search. In 2008, he competed on Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, where he finished in second place. Later, he returned to the series as an All-Star and was a judge in 2022.

In 2014, Boss joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show and earned co-executive producer status in 2020.

The late choreographer also made cameos in several high-profile films and television shows like Magic Mike XXL and Modern Family.

After Boss' death, countless celebrities took to social media to post tributes including Ellen DeGeneres, Channing Tatum, Justin Timberlake, Michelle Obama and more.

DeGeneres said she was "heartbroken" when she learned of her friend's death. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him," the talk show host, 64, posted via Twitter and Instagram. "Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children—Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."

Tatum, who worked alongside Boss in Magic Mike XXL and the Step Up movies, said he had "no words" following the news.

"There aren't any. My head or heart can not understand this," the actor wrote on Instagram. "There is just so much… I don't know where to begin. I love you. I'll see you again my friend. Until then."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

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