So You Think You Can Dance alum Courtney Platt acknowledged that her “heart [was] heavy” following the death of costar Joshua Allen at age 36.
“[Allen] carried his struggles, he was an incredible talent and a huge part of my life. We didn’t speak all the time, we didn’t have to but when we did we’d pick up right where we left off because we were fam,” Platt, 37, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, October 1. “Our connection runs deep and always will [forever]. I’ll hold onto the artistry he brought into the world, the epic experiences we had together and the beautiful, hilarious, sometimes tough, rare, life-changing memories we shared.”
One of Allen’s relatives revealed to TMZ on Wednesday that the professional dancer was struck and killed by a train one day earlier. He was reportedly pronounced dead at a hospital near his home in Texas.
In 2008, Allen won the fourth season of So You Think You Can Dance over Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in December 2022 at age 40. Platt also competed on the fourth season of SYTYCD and finished fourth overall.
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“He’ll always be part of me — no matter the distance, no matter the silence in between,” Platt wrote in her tribute. “Our connection doesn’t end here. Really hoping he and [tWitch] are dancing together right now, making some Batman and Superman kinda magic while sippin’ on some Jack AND Daniels. #iykyk #IVREALIVEVER 💔 Rest in Peace Joshua.”
“I’m rocked. IV REAL IV EVER. In this life, and the next,” fellow So You Think You Can Dance season 4 star Jessica King responded.
SYTYCD season 11 contestant Emily James offered her own condolences, writing: “A Beautiful & talented soul gone too soon. Sending so much love.”
Boss’ brother Dré Rose also paid tribute by replying to Platt: “No lies told. Gone too soon. Until we meet on the other side ❤️🕊️. Nothing but Jack n Coke @courtneyannplatt 😫I’ll have some for them.”
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram first reported on Tuesday, September 30, that police responded to a distress call near railroad tracks in Fort Worth, Texas, where they found a man who’d been struck by a train. An investigation into the deadly incident is ongoing.
A relative of Allen’s subsequently told TMZ that the dancer was upbeat and spoke about his strong spiritual conviction in their final conversation.
“One of the last things he said was to keep God first at all times. You have to be real with yourself before you can be real with anybody else,” the relative recalled.
Allen’s friend Emmanuel Hurd remembered the dancer as “a very honest, real person” who faced significant struggles throughout his life.
“He didn’t always do things the way that everybody thought he should, but that’s why he was a winner,” Hurd told the outlet.
Allison Holker Honors ‘tWitch’ on 1st Father’s Day Since His Death
Allen rose to fame in 2008 when he was crowned America’s Favorite Dancer on the Fox dance competition and won a $250,000 grand prize. His SYTYCD success led to appearances in numerous movies and TV projects, including Step Up 3D, Community, American Horror Story and the 2011 remake of Footloose.
In March, Allen commemorated his 36th birthday with a now poignant message via Instagram.
“Grateful to see another year….Cheers to another trip around the ☀️ Thank you GOD!! 👶🏾🎂🎉🎁🤴🏾,” he wrote at the time. “To everyone who called, texted, Voicemail with your support and love I SEE you — know that it’s very much appreciated 💯❤️🔐.”
