Ellen DeGeneres Releases Statement Following 'tWitch''s Death

This morning the world learned the devastating news that beloved DJ and dancer Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss died by suicide. He was 40 years young.

Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss rose to fame after coming in second place on “So You Think Can Dance.” He then went on to work on “The Ellen DeGeneres” show, where he quickly became a fan-favorite.

He was a part of the show for its nine seasons, and now the host of the show, and close friend, Ellen DeGeneres, is speaking out after learning about his death.

In 2014, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss joined "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" as a guest DJ. Fans loved seeing the DJ and dancer and quickly became a fan-favorite. Soon, the show made him a permanent DJ, and he was promoted to co-executive producer status in 2020.

The host of the show, Ellen DeGeneres, has just released a statement after learning of her co-star's death.

"I’m heartbroken," she wrote in an Instagram post. "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.

Executive producer, Andy Lassner, also Tweeted about the news, simply writing, "Rest, my friend."

https://twitter.com/andylassner/status/1603044405975592960

Lassner shared a sweet photo of 'tWitch', Ellen DeGeneres, and himself from a taping of an episode as they all share smiles and laughs together in a car.

After "The Ellen DeGeneres" show concluded its run, Stephen 'tWitch' Boss posted a heartfelt statement, thanking Ellen and the show.

"I’m gonna miss this place of love, laughter, and family that I was able to experience the last 9 years," he wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "Todays episode of @theellenshow was incredibly special and such a surprise to me. Here a few of the pics of a moment we shared about our time together and the bond that has been formed. This show has changed my life in so many ways. I already miss y’all. The inside jokes. The games. The dancing. The laughs. And unforgettably inspiring stories we got to witness of wonderful people doing extraordinary things."

He concluded with, "Tomorrow is officially the last air date of the show so I’ll save my “goodbye” message for then. Thank you again and I love you to my friend Ellen. Thank you to the legendary staff that makes the magic happen everyday. There is a special place in my heart for y’all."

The DJ and dancer shared another Instagram post, saying goodbye to "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

"How do I say goodbye to a show that changed my life in so many ways? I guess if there was an answer to this it would be to send the show off with as much love as possible," he began to write in an Instagram post with a photo of himself sharing a laugh with Ellen. "Through thoughts, actions, and as Ellen would say before we left the show each day 'Take this (feeling in the room) out into the world and spread it.' That’s how I’ll say goodbye to this show and the moments that were created. By honoring them through intentions and everyday actions. Always keeping an eye and heart out for a chance to help, a chance to give, and a chance to connect. To not shy away from letting people know they are seen. That no act of kindness is too small."

'tWitch' continued to say, "We have seen what the ripple effect of kindness can do many times over. Just because the show is going away it doesn’t mean that those stop and that we are not capable of continuing to make those ripples. So with all the love joy and kindness in my heart I say a big thank you to Ellen, the entire staff at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and everyone that supported and came along this amazing journey."

"Even though we won’t be in the same studio with each other every day, the light and laughs that we created together continue to shine and echo. And everytime we get a moment to do so, we should amplify the echoes and memories, because they are filled with love, laughs, and kindness," he wrote. "And that, that has no end my friends. I’m going to end this because the tears and snot are becoming overwhelming for my phone. 🥹🥹 @theellenshow #Finalepisode #FarewellSeason."

If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health struggles or suicidal thoughts, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help.