UPDATE: Joshua Allen, the acclaimed dancer who won the fourth season of “So You Think You Can Dance,” has tragically died after being struck by a train in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, with authorities reporting that Allen was found near railroad tracks at approximately 1 a.m. and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s database, Allen was just 36 years old. The cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Police have not yet released further details but confirmed they responded to the scene shortly after the incident.
Christina Price, Allen’s representative, expressed her sorrow in a statement, highlighting his extraordinary talent and generous spirit. “What stood out most about Joshua was his heart,” Price said. “He had a natural gift for movement—no formal training, yet he could watch something once and his body just knew how to do it.” She added that Allen dedicated himself to teaching dance to children in Texas, further underscoring the impact of his legacy.
Allen’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time and is seeking “prayers” from fans. The entertainer, who rose to fame in 2008, captivated audiences with his versatility in dance, excelling in styles from contemporary to Bollywood. He ultimately won the competition, defeating fellow contestants including the late Stephen “Twitch” Boss, who died by suicide in December 2022.
The news of Allen’s death comes as a shock to the dance community, with Price noting that Boss’s passing had a profound effect on Allen. “It’s heartbreaking to now be grieving Joshua as well,” she stated.
Following his success on “So You Think You Can Dance,” Allen appeared in various productions, including a McDonald’s commercial and the debut season of “American Horror Story.” He also featured in films such as “Freak Dance,” “Step Up 3D,” and the 2011 remake of “Footloose.” Allen’s contributions extended beyond performance; he served as an instructor at several dance competitions.
However, Allen’s life was not without controversy. In August 2016, he faced serious legal issues involving allegations of domestic violence. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office charged him with multiple felony counts. Although he later pleaded no contest, leading to a one-year jail sentence, he was set to be a mentor on Season 13 of “So You Think You Can Dance” before his departure from the show was announced.
As the dance world mourns the loss of this talented performer, fans and fellow artists are encouraged to remember Allen’s contributions and the joy he brought to many through his art. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, and updates are expected in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more developments on this tragic story.
