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*The following article contains discussion of suicide/self-harm.
Ellen DeGeneres shared an emotional post on Instagram Wednesday paying tribute to DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, who was on The Ellen Show from 2014 through the show's final episode in May. Boss began his run on the show as a DJ and went on to become a co-executive producer as well as a guest host on occasion.
Boss died Tuesday at the age of 40 by suicide.
In her heartfelt post, DeGeneres shared:
"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."
Friends and fans alike echoed Ellen's sentiment and shared their love for both.
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
@theellenshow/Instagram
In a statement to PEOPLE, Boss' wife Allison Holker Boss said:
"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."
"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."
She finished her statement:
"Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you."
***
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
To find help outside the United States, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has resources available at https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/