So You Think You Can Dance alum Joshua Allen has reportedly died aged 36.
A cause of death wasn’t immediately available, though a family member told TMZ Allen died September 30. The publication later reported that Allen was struck and killed by a train in Fort Worth, Texas and died at a nearby hospital.
The Independent has reached out to the Fort Worth Police Department for additional information.
Allen won season four of the Fox reality dance competition series in 2008, with the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in December 2022, placing second.
The dancer spoke about how close he was to Boss while they were filming the show, telling Entertainment Weekly in 2008 that they were “really happy for each other” despite only one being able to win.
“We were two of the closest people there,” he added.
He also spoke about what his dance experience looked like before appearing on the show.
“I took a few modern dance classes, ballet classes, because I felt that to be a better dancer I would have to take different classes, and, you know, expand my horizons in the art of dance,” Allen told Entertainment Weekly.
“I didn’t want to audition for the show not knowing anything. Dallas was [early in the auditions], and after I made it to Vegas — there were months before we actually went — I took as many classes as I could.”
“I really wasn’t that technically trained,” he continued. “I would just try to take classes in the summer, and when it was school time I would take class, run track, play football. I would always just train in the summer. So it was never hard training.”
After winning his season of So You Think You Can Dance, Allen started a string of television and movie appearances, starring in 2010’s Step Up 3D, 2011’s Footloose, and in one 2011 episode of American Horror Story.
A few years later, in 2016, the dancer was arrested in Los Angeles following an incident with his ex-girlfriend, where he was charged with domestic violence. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to one year in county jail, five years of formal probation, and one year of domestic violence counseling.
Allen’s final Instagram post was a photo of him alongside Malcolm-Jamal Warner, following The Cosby Show actor’s death in July, when he was only 54. “Fly high King,” he captioned the post.
Following the announcement of Allen’s death, tributes have begun as the singer and YouTuber, Todrick Hall, posted a photo of himself alongside the dancer on X.
“My heart is shattered to hear that my dear friend Joshua Allen has sadly passed away,” he wrote on top of the post. “My condolences and support going out to his family !! You will be missed !!”
Dick Clark Productions and Fox also shared a statement with The Independent regarding Allen’s death.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joshua Allen, winner of Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance and a gifted performer whose talent left a lasting impact on the dance community,” the statement read.
“Joshua’s powerful artistry, charisma, and authenticity captured the hearts of millions and helped elevate the profile of dance on television. His contributions to the art form will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with Joshua’s family, loved ones, and fans during this difficult time. “
