Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Dead at 40 -- Family, Celebrity Friends and Fans Pay Tribute

According to TMZ, his death appears to be a suicide.

His wife Allison Holker also confirmed his death, sharing a statement saying, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us."

"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," she wrote. "He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans."

The pair married in 2013, before Boss adopted Holker's daughter Weslie, 14. The two went on to welcome to additional children: son Maddox, 6, and daughter Zaia, 3. Boss and Holker celebrated their 9-year wedding anniversary just four days ago.

"To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt," Holker continued. "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," she concluded.

After appearing on The Wade Robson Project, Boss broke out on SYTYCD, on which he returned as a judge in 2018 and earlier this year. He also appeared in "Magic Mike XXL" and three of the "Step Up" films.

As news of his death broke, Boss' celebrity friends and fans began sharing tributes on social media.

"I'm heartbroken," tweeted Ellen. "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."

Andy Lassner, the executive producer of Ellen's show who also frequently appeared on-screen, tweeted out, "Rest, my friend," along with a photo of the pair and DeGeneres inside a car together.

Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland, who rocketed to fame after appearing on "Ellen," both shared tributes to Boss on their social media pages. "My condolences to your family and loved ones," wrote Brownlee to her Instagram Stories alongside images of the pair with Boss. "Thank you for always making the show so fun for me and rosie, you will never be forgotten rest easy."

McClelland also shared a carousel of memories from the show, writing, "Thank you for making everything so fun for us! Me and Sophia were so lucky to have worked with you, sending all the love to your family, children and friends, love Rosie and Family."

Frequent "Ellen" contributor Kalen Allen also tweeted, "Oh my God," before posting a lengthy tribute to Instagram. "God knows, my heart is at a standstill because I have never known a friend like you," he wrote, "In a world where it was easy to get lost in the shadows, I am grateful that we always saw each other ... On a more personal note, as a queer black man, I want to thank you for seeing me and providing me with a friendship that I didn't even know could exist."

"I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show," shared Michelle Obama. "Stephen was an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity, and made sure that people around him could feel it, too. We felt his spirit in every dance, every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia."

"And if any of you out there are struggling and need someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone," she added. "There is always someone ready to help. You can call or text the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988."

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson tweeted, "Man I am so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news about Twitch. Great guy. 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."

Ciara also shared video of them dancing together to Instagram, writing, "I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us. I've always known you as joy, laughter, good times, and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today! May you rest in paradise. Praying for your family during this difficult time ❤️🙏🏽"

Questlove posted a lengthy tribute as well, writing, "I have no words man. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 May his family find resolution in this dark time. May we all find peace of mind in our everyday lives. Everyday is a winding road & you just may never know who is on the edge. A lot of us can't process emotions & how to deal with it. I'll admit yesterday was rotten & every minuscule occurrence of a Murphy’s Law nature sent me spiraling."

He added, "Take time out for yourselves if you feel like you're on the edge (I know most of us are confused when it comes to darker emotions like sadness and anger—-both healthy to express but becomes problematic when your solution is to figure out how to get rid of the feelings that don’t feel good to you. Take time out for yourselves & sit in silence people. Time literally heals wounds. Rest In Melody Twitch."

Fellow SYTYCD judge Leah Remini also praised him on social media, after saying she was "heartbroken" by his death.

"tWitch was always so kind to me and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes. tWitch was the guy who played and interacted with his fans in the audience during commercial breaks, and he encouraged all the contestants when the cameras weren't rolling," she wrote. "He had such a passion and love for dance and guiding artists and the contestants on the show. tWitch adored his wife, Allison, and their three kids more than anything. He would talk about them all the time with such pride. He had a laugh and smile that lit up the whole room."

"Rest easy, tWitch; you will leave a big hole in many hearts," she concluded. "My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and to the many people whom he inspired."

Fellow judge JoJo Siwa added: "My heart is beyond broken.💔😭 twitch was a best friend and a mentor not just to me but to SO many. I'll never forget our time getting to work together on SYTYCD, he became such a light in my life. Someone I've looked up to since I was born turned one of my best friends. Twitch always had the best advice. We had SO many laughs, smiles, and even cries together. I know you’re in a better place now but man we are all gonna miss the hell outta you. Sending my most love and prayers to His beautiful wife and 3 perfect kids. ❤️ thank you for sharing your gift with the world. I'm 'so esssicted' to see you again one day (A inside joke between us that I will never let go of). Forever the worlds dance dad. Love you brother.🙏🏼 RIP the legendary Stephen Twitch Boss❤️"

Jennifer Lopez, who worked alongside Boss on "World of Dance" wrote, "Twitch was such a light and a beautiful soul…💔 Shocked and deeply saddened. My heart breaks for @sir_twitch_alot, his wife and children 🙏 Sending you love and strength 🤍."

Fellow "WoD" judge Derek Hough added, "My heart is aching for @allisonholker and their beautiful family during this time. My mind is clinging to memories of the dear friend we have all lost. When I think of twitch I think of Wisdom, Love, Light and Laughter. He brought joy to everyone he encountered and was an inspiration to all. It’s gonna take some time to fully process this. May you rest in peace my friend. We love you 🙏🏼❤️"

Jodie Sweetin, who'd been friends with Boss since they were in college together, told Entertainment Tonight, "I'm still in a lot of shock." She went on to say that her daughter is close to Boss' eldest daughter, as they went to school together, as well.

"I just texted her, I don't expect anything in return, but I just want her to know she's loved," Sweetin said of Holker, describing him as "such a talent and such an amazing, warm, wonderful heart. He will be greatly missed."

On Instagram, Viola Davis shared, "I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones. 💔🕊🙏🏿"

Kerry Washington also wrote, "The world lost a bright light today. Twitch brought joy and love to people all over the world through music and through dance. My heart is heavy today for his family and all of those who knew and loved him. 🙏🏾 You never know what people are struggling with or going through. Hug your loved ones. Call your friends. Reach out to people in need. And if you or someone you know is in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK." Her tribute was re-shared by Zendaya.

Added Octavia Spencer: "I am incredibly saddened to hear about Stephen Boss’, aka DJ tWitch, passing. tWitch brought happiness and light to so many people and he will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his wife, children, friends, family and fans 💔"

DJ Pauly D, who sometimes filled in for tWitch on Ellen, also paid tribute, writing, "Damn this is sad news. sending prayers to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss's family and friends. RIP TWITCH"

Yvette Nicole Brown reacted with shock, posting, "What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I've loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh, tWitch!"

Loni Love went on to call him "A kind soul and a sweet person." She added, alongside footage of him at his birthday earlier this year, "that is how I will remember Twitch... This was his 40th birthday party .. my heart goes out to his family especially Allison and their beautiful kids.. this is devastating... I love you brother and will miss you dearly."

"It's heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed door," wrote Justin Timberlake. "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."

"Take care of yourselves," he continued. "LOVE that human in the mirror. Check on your people. Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time. You will be missed, Sir. Rest Easy."

"Modern Family" star and frequent "Ellen" guest Julie Bowen also remembered him on Instagram -- posting, "I did “Ellen” a gajillion times, and every time this sweet man made me smile, laugh and dance (horribly…always horribly). He even came and did a guest spot on Modern Family, and it was like getting a visit from the sun. His lightness, joy and kindness filled every room he entered. It’s terrible to think he was suffering inside. Tell somebody you love them today."

Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough shared footage of the pair dancing together, captioning the video, "Heartbroken to hear the news of tWitch’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know him recently and he always welcomed the boys and me with open arms when we saw him on Ellen. He is truly one of a kind. Sending all my love to his family."

Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams also paid tribute, writing, "My heart goes out to his wife, children and family! There are moments in your life where it can feel really heavy, uncertain, or scary. Times when you feel NO ONE understands, times when you feel like you may be a burden if you share what you’re really dealing with! I learned that it's not true……I promise you…. I know!! Twitch, you brought so much joy to the world with your art, as a husband, father, son and friend!! You will be missed!!"

"Dancing with the stars" pro Val Chmerkovskiy shared, "This is not possible. I am absolutely lost for any words or comprehension. Heartbreaking" -- before his brother Maksim added, "I'm at a loss for words ... I wrote few paragraphs and deleted everything because it's all so irrelevant right now. I have so much to say, but I just want to hold on to the memories I have and not try to wrap my head around this. Stephen 'Twitch' Boss was the only man I've met in the entire industry who was loved by absolutely everyone. This makes no sense at all…. Rest easy my friend.."

"DWTS" alum alum Keo Motsepe also shared a string of broken heart emojis.

Friend and television producer Jawn Murray wrote, "DEVASTATED by the death of my friend @official_tWitch! Just gutted by this news. Twitch was a genuinely good guy. He kept checking in & encouraging me during my Executive Producer negotiations at 'SHERRI,'" he wrote. "My prayers for his family! RIP Twitch."

TikTok influencer Remi Bader also wrote, "I am so upset" on her Instagram Story, adding, "rest in peace" and "I am heartbroken."

Shared Jada Pinkett Smith: "I woke up this morning to the news that tWitch is gone. My heart aches for his wife Allison and their children Weslie, Maddox and Zaia. My condolences to all his loved ones that he has left behind. We had a lot of good times on the set of Magic Mike. He was so sweet, kind and generous. So many people suffer in silence. I wish he could have known that he didn't have to. May his beautiful, shining soul rest in the arms of the Great Supreme and may that same Higher Power heal the shattered hearts of his loved ones."

Alyssa Milano shared a performance video of tWitch, adding, "RIP TWITCH. Damn."

Jennifer Hudson also wrote, "We need to pray! My God! U never know what someone is going through. This breaks my heart."

Added Paula Abdul: "I'm devastated to hear the news about Stephen 'tWitch' Boss' passing. tWitch greeted the world every day with a beautiful smile that was a direct reflection of his beautiful heart. He was a beacon of light and a true talent whose legacy and impact will live on in the dance community. Sending so much love and prayers to his beautiful wife Allison and their children. May he rest in peace."

Meghan McCain also tweeted, "What absolutely tragic news...  tWitch brought so much joy and entertainment to millions of peoples lives for so long... I have loved watching him and his family's dance videos - especially during the pandemic when we all needed fun and light.  I am so sorry to his loved ones."

CNN's Abby Phillip shared, "This is just so heartbreaking. Thinking of his wife and their three young children."

Former linebacker Emmanuel Acho also shared footage of them together, writing, "You’ll be missed by brother. You'll be missed. Thanks for always laughing and smiling with me. Stephen 'tWitch' gone way too soon. RIP tWitch."

Added Tommy Chong: "Sometimes the happiest looking people from the outside are struggling on the inside. RIP Twitch #RIPTwitch"

Director Paul Feig also wrote, "Absolutely devastated by this news. Stephen was such a wonderful loving soul, filled with joy and positive energy. I worked with him several times and he was nothing but amazing. I don't know what demons he was dealing with but my heart goes out to Alison."

Shared Alyson Stoner: "Going to need a lot of time and space for this. Stephen. Al. Wesley, Maddox, Zaia. #RIPTwitch"

Adam Shankman, who directed the "Hairspray" movie musical and produced the "Step Up" films in which tWitch appeared, remembered the dancer as "always so special." He added, "From that family, to our so you think you can dance family, to our step up family, to your own family. Yea, that was your greatest role: husband and father. Also, now and forever, sweet friend. Heaven just got a little funkier. We will all miss you twitchy. 💔"

Snoop Dogg also shared a clip of the two together on Ellen, adding, "R. I. P. Twitch. Save a dance for me 😢🌹🙏🏾"