Ellen DeGeneres has paid tribute to Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, after the dancer and DJ died at the age of 40.
Boss was best known for his appearances on The Ellen Show, being a key member of the cast from its inception in 2014 until it was canceled in 2022, being made an executive producer in 2020.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday by his wife, Allison Holker, after TMZ reported that the TV star had reportedly taken his own life, however, no official cause of death has been confirmed at this time.
DeGeneres took to Instagram to share her own tribute to her long-time friend, telling fans she was "heartbroken" by his death.
See Ellen DeGeneres's post below:Sharing a photo of the two of them embracing on set, she told her followers: "I’m heartbroken. 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."
According to reports from TMZ, law enforcement sources claim Boss's wife, Allison Holker, ran to an LAPD station on Tuesday over fears for her husband.
Sources claim she was 'frantic' after finding he had left home without his car, which was out of character, before he was found dead.
He is claimed to have died by suicide after being found at hotel where police had been called following reports of a gunshot.
Boss had first found fame in 2008 after becoming a runner-up on talent show So You Think You Can Dance, before taking on acting roles including in Magic Mike XXL and Blades of Glory.
His wife, Holker, paid tribute in a statement via People, 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. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans."
The 34-year-old added: "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."
Asking for privacy for her and their children to grieve during this "difficult time", Holker ended her statement by saying: "Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
The couple - who shared three children - 14-year-old Weslie, who was Holker's daughter from a past relationship who Boss later adopted - as well as Maddox, six, and Zaia, three.
He and Holker had celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary just days before his death.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Boss's family, friends, and fans at this time.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
