tWitch Helped This 'Ellen' Viewer Navigate Early, Isolating Days Of The Pandemic

Reactions to the passing of beloved DJ and staple of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Stephen 'tWitch' Boss have been pouring in since the news of his death broke on December 14th.

The 40-year-old died by suicide, following a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His body was found in a Los Angeles hotel room.

The entertainer's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, inspiring celebrities and fans alike to post their heartfelt reactions to tWitch's passing.

tWitch's influence was profoundly felt by one particular 'Ellen' show viewer. In a heartbreaking anecdote, a New York Times reader detailed how the consistency of watching tWitch delight viewers on a daily basis helped them navigate the isolation brought on by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New York Times senior editor Dan Saltstein posted a screenshot of the viewer's story to his Twitter account on Thursday, allowing his followers to read the story of profound grief and influence.

Before we take a look at the NYT reader's story, let's look at some notable reactions to tWitch's passing.

DeGeneres, 64, took to Instagram to mourn the passing of her co-worker, whom she thought of as "family." The pair worked together on the show from 2014 until 2022.

"I'm heartbroken," DeGeneres wrote via Instagram per The Blast's report. "tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all of my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children- Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia," her post concludes.

DeGeneres is far from the only famous face who posted a tribute to tWitch on social media following his passing.

'Ellen' executive producer Andy Lassner posted a photo of himself with tWitch and DeGeneres on Twitter, simply writing "Rest, my friend."

DJ Pauly D., Snooki, Chelsea Handler, Olivia Munn, and Alyssa Milano were among the celebrities who posted social media tributes following the news.

Many celebrities directed their condolences to tWitch's wife, Allison Holker. The duo first met during their "So You Think You Can Dance" days, and wed in 2013.

Holker, 34, spoke to People magazine following her husband's death; she had also alerted police her husband had left home without his car on Tuesday, which had been out of character for him.

Holker told the publication, "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 friends, family, 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." (per The Blast)

The profound impact of tWitch's legacy is undoubtedly captured in this fan's tribute.

"MIMA" shared their tribute to tWitch to The New York Times.

The heartbreakingly poignant tribute reads, "When you're old, and isolated like in the midst of the COVID pandemic, you can turn your TV on in the afternoon and see a young man dance and make you smile, you can forget all the bad stuff. You just smile. Smiling is the moment of the day. And this young man did all of that for me. He saved my lonely, decrepit COVID-isolating days with his smiles, his dancing, his generosity of character... right there in my living room on my TV."

The tribute continues, "I am grieving with such deep sadness. Gone? He's gone? One of the most sad days in this old lady's life, today. He took COVID's isolation away. And only someone very, very very special could accomplish that. It's a dark day, today. He brought the light which is no more. We are in disbelief and grieve so for his loved ones."

Many of Saltzstein's followers echoed "MIMA''s sentiment.

"It's strange," one follower commented, "This one hits hard and deep. I didn't know him, but he projected positivity. He had something special. Unfortunately, imposter syndrome is real. I pray for him, his family, and all who will miss him. Embrace every moment, even the mundane."

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