Celebrities give tribute to the late DJ tWitch
DJ tWitch’s wife and friends share their memories of him after his unexpected death last Tuesday.
It was an untimely death for Stephen Boss, or tWitch, as the DJ was more popularly known. He was just 40 years old when he passed away.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” announced 34-year old Allison Holker, the wife of tWitch.
The two danced together on the reality show So You Think You Can Dance, the same one that propelled tWitch to fame. They were became inseparable since then and got married in 2013. Allison and tWitch just celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary last December 10, just three days before his death.
“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,” she continued.
They share three children: 14-year old Weslie, 6-year old Maddox, and 3-year old Zaia. In a recent interview, the couple even shared that they were planning to have a fourth child.
“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,” Allison added. “We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”
Allison ended her statement with a message and a promise to her husband.
“Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you,” she said.
Host Ellen DeGeneres, who considered tWitch as family, tweeted a photo of them hugging.
“I’m heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light,” stated Ellen.
tWitch joined The Ellen Degeneres Show in 2014 and became a mainstay until it ended in 2022.
“He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him,” said Ellen. “Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”
American comedian and host Loni Love also posted videos of herself and tWitch taken during the DJ’s 40th birthday.
“A kind soul and a sweet person, that is how I will remember tWitch,” she tweeted. “This was his 40th birthday party.”
She went on to give a message of support to the family tWitch left behind.
“My heart goes out to his family, especially Allison and their beautiful kids,” said Loni. “This is devastating. I love you brother, and I will miss you dearly.”
Singer and dancer Justin Timberlake likewise remembered tWitch with fondness. They have been friends for a couple of decades now, having bonded over their shared love for dancing. Justin shared two photos of tWitch where he was full of joy and life as he danced.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone who brought so much joy to a room, was hurting so much behind closed doors,” Justin tweeted. “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.”
According to reports, tWitch left their home on Monday, December 12, without his car. He checked into a hotel without telling his wife, which prompted her to file a report after he failed to come home. The next day, tWitch was found inside a hotel room just fifteen minutes from his home. A helper found him while conducting a welfare check, done after he failed to check out on time. He was found with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Autopsy reports have ruled his death a suicide with no signs of foul play.
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from mental illness don’t get the help they need. Justin sends out a reminder for everyone to check up on their loved ones, as well as to practice self-love.
“Take care of yourselves. Love that human in the mirror. Check on your people,” said Justin. “Sending light to his beautiful family in this dark, confusing time. You will be missed, Sir. Rest Easy.”
Note:
A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.
These are their hotline numbers:
(02) 804-HOPE (4673).
0917-558-HOPE (4673) or (632) 211-4550.
0917-852-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-6876.
0917-842-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-4084.
