‘Ellen’ DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss dies at 40

WASHINGTON — Stephen “tWitch” Boss, best known as the longtime DJ on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has passed away. He was 40.

The boss’s wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE.

She said in part that “Stephen lights up every room he walks into. He values ​​family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light is everything to him. He is the breadwinner of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

A report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner also confirmed Boss’ death, although a cause of death was not listed.

According to TMZ, Boss died by suicide. He was pronounced dead at a Los Angeles hotel on Tuesday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, TMZ said, citing law enforcement sources.

Boss was the runner-up for season 4 of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008. In 2014, he was on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and was an integral part of the show until it ended in 2022. He was named a co-executive producer of the show in 2020.

“Rest in peace, my friend,” said Andy Lassner, one of the show’s executive producers, tweeted on Wednesday as news of Boss’ death spread.

DeGeneres was first connected with Boss in 2010 when she wanted to recreate a performance from “So You Think You Can Dance.”

The owner and his wife also held “Disney Fairy Tale Wedding” on Disney+. The couple just celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary on Saturday.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time during day or night or chat online.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.