The family of So You Think You Can Dance alum Joshua Allen is sharing more details into the cause of his death.
A relative told TMZ on Wednesday, October 1, that Allen was struck and killed by a train. He reportedly died in a hospital near his home in Texas one day prior.
The family member also reflected on one their final conversations with Allen before his death, noting, “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 Fort Worth Star-Telegram confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, that police responded to railroad tracks near an intersection in south Fort Worth around 1 a.m. local time, where they found a man who had been hit by a train. The victim — who was not identified as Allen in the report — was taken to a nearby medical facility.
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According to both reports, an investigation into the death is still ongoing.
TMZ broke the news of Allen’s death on Wednesday, with the family asking for “privacy and prayers.” An official cause was not immediately revealed.
Allen’s friend Emmanuel Hurd described the dancer as “a very honest, real person,” sharing a thoughtful tribute. “He didn’t always do things the way that everybody thought he should, but that’s why he was a winner,” Hurd told TMZ.
Allen got his start in the entertainment world on season 4 of SYTYCD, during which he was crowned America’s Favorite Dancer. He defeated runner-up Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died by suicide in December 2022 at age 40.
“To my brother: it’s hard for me to even write this message without breaking down, devastated would be an understatement,” Allen wrote via Instagram after Boss’ death. “I’ve been trying to find the right words for days now and nothing seems to fit right in order to express the pain of losing you! NO WORDS will ever be enough to explain the LOVE I have for you Stephen.”
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Allen added, “You’re such a genuine and caring person ALWAYS showed love to anyone that came in contact with you. I remember when we 1st met in Vegas for SYTYCD and we were sitting on the stairs getting ready to audition chatting about how nervous but hungry we were to get on the show and change the game. I knew from the beginning you’d do that. You’ve inspired me from day one as well as so many others around the world. YOU DID IT BRO YOU DID IT!!! YOU MADE YOUR MARK ON THE WORLD AND INTO PEOPLES HEARTS IVEVER!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MAN.”
Months before his death, Allen marked his milestone 36th birthday with a sentimental social media post.
“Grateful to see another year….Cheers to another trip around the ☀️ Thank you GOD!! 👶🏾🎂🎉🎁🤴🏾,” he wrote in March. “To everyone who called, texted, Voicemail with your support and love I SEE you — know that it’s very much appreciated 💯❤️🔐.”
