‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Winner Tragically Killed by Train

Joshua Allen, the dancer who shot to fame as the season four winner of So You Think You Can Dance, has died at just 36 years old.

According to TMZ, Allen passed away on September 30 after he was struck by a train in Fort Worth, Texas and died at a nearby hospital. Authorities have not yet released further details.

Allen became a household name in 2008 when he won the hit Fox dance competition, beating out fan favorite Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who later became a beloved TV personality before his tragic death in 2022. Despite the rivalry, Allen said the two were extremely close during the show, telling Entertainment Weekly at the time, “We were two of the closest people there. We were really happy for each other.”

Though Allen didn’t have years of formal training, he worked hard to prepare for the competition, taking ballet and modern dance classes while still juggling school and sports. His natural talent and charisma ultimately carried him to the top spot, making him one of the standout champions in the show’s history.

After SYTYCD, Allen landed roles in film and TV, including Step Up 3D (2010), Footloose (2011), and even a guest appearance on American Horror Story. But his career was overshadowed by legal trouble in 2016 when he was arrested for domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to a year in county jail, probation, and counseling.

Allen’s last Instagram post came in July, when he shared a tribute to actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner following Warner’s death at 54. “Fly high King,” Allen wrote.

Tributes are already pouring in for the late dancer. Singer and YouTube star Todrick Hall posted a heartfelt message on X, writing, “My heart is shattered to hear that my dear friend Joshua Allen has sadly passed away. My condolences and support going out to his family!! You will be missed!!”