Family and friends of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a popular dancer and TV personality best known for his appearances on So You Think You Can Dance, gathered in Los Angeles on Tuesday for a small, private funeral to honor the late dance star.
According to TMZ, the funeral was on Wednesday in Los Angeles and attended by a small group of close family and friends, including Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss.
His wife, Alison, 34, described him in a statement to PEOPLE saying, “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.”
News of Boss’ death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many of his colleagues and fans expressing their condolences on social media. In the days following his death, tributes from friends and colleagues flooded in, with many describing him as a kind and talented individual.
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The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Boss died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and that he had left behind a suicide note. The cause of death was officially listed as suicide.
Boss’ death has sparked a larger conversation about mental health, especially in the Black community.
Many prominent Black people have died by suicide in 2021, including Ian Alexander Jr., actor Regina Kingâs only child, Kevin Ward, mayor of Hyattsville, Maryland and former Miss USA and attorney Cheslie Kryst.
According to a 2021 report from the National Vital Statistics System, the suicide rate among the U.S. Black population peaks between 25 and 34. It is important to seek help when struggling with depression and other mental health issues.
As previously reported by Sis2Sis, Boss, 40, died on December 13 in an apparent suicide.
Boss will be remembered as a talented dancer and performer, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten.
