So You Think You Can Dance Champion Joshua Allen Dies at 36

Joshua Allen, the fourth dancer to be named the champion of So You Think You Can Dance, passed away at the age of 36.

“I enrolled in several modern dance and ballet courses because I believed that to improve as a dancer, I needed to take diverse classes and, in essence, broaden my understanding of the art of dance,” he conveyed to Entertainment Weekly in 2008 following his season 4 triumph. “I didn’t want to try out for the program without any foundational knowledge. Dallas was [early in the audition process], and after securing my spot in Vegas — with several months before the actual filming — I took as many lessons as I could.”

He further elaborated, “My technical training wasn't extensive. I would typically attend classes during the summer, and once school resumed, I would take lessons, participate in track, and play football. My serious training was always limited to the summer months. Consequently, it was never rigorous training. … I understood the concepts, I knew what actions were required, but I lacked formal instruction in them.”

At that time, Allen held ambitious plans to continue his dance career, alongside exploring acting and singing. TMZ announced his demise in October 2025 after he tragically died when he was hit by a train.

'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 4 Winner Joshua Allen Dies at 36

Continue reading to discover more about the former SYTYCD victor following his passing:

Joshua Allen Achieved Victory in Season 4 of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Allen competed on the 2008 installment of the Fox dance competition as a hip-hop performer. He was 18 years old at that point. Allen ultimately earned the title of America’s Favorite Dancer, surpassing runner-up Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who passed away in 2022 at 40 years old.

“To my brother: I find it difficult to even compose this message without becoming overwhelmed; devastated would be an understatement,” Allen expressed on Instagram concerning Boss’s death. “I’ve been struggling to find appropriate words for days now, and nothing seems adequate to convey the anguish of losing you! NO WORDS will ever suffice to explain the profound LOVE I hold for you, Stephen.”

Allen added, “You are such a genuine and compassionate individual, ALWAYS showing kindness to everyone you encountered. I recall our first meeting in Vegas for SYTYCD, where we sat on the stairs before our auditions, discussing our nervousness but also our eagerness to join the show and make an impact. I knew from the start that you would achieve that. You have been an inspiration to me from day one, as well as to countless others globally. YOU DID IT, BRO, YOU DID IT!!! YOU LEFT YOUR MARK ON THE WORLD AND IN PEOPLE’S HEARTS FOREVER!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, MAN.”

Joshua Allen Maintained Strong Bonds With Other ‘So You Think Can Dance’ Alumni

“We all stay connected,” Allen stated in a July 2013 YouTube interview with Macy Jenkins. “[We all] gather for dinners monthly, and we all meet up to simply relax, whether it’s going out for a meal or visiting a theme park. Occasionally, we collaborate during conventions, so we are separated for periods but never truly apart. We always reconvene and reunite.”

He continued, “We always made commitments when we left the program, saying things like, ‘We’re always going to maintain our communication.’”

Joshua Allen Persisted in Performing After ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Allen’s acting contributions encompassed Freak Dance, Step Up 3D, the 2011 remake of Footloose, an installment of American Horror Story, and Undateable. Allen was also a frequent presence at national dance conventions, where he instructed young participants in routines and techniques.

Joshua Allen Marked His Birthday Seven Months Before His Passing

Allen reached the age of 36 on March 15, 2025.

“Thankful to experience another year....Here’s to another journey around the sun. Thank you, GOD!!” he posted on Instagram. “To everyone who called, messaged, left voicemails with your support and affection, I acknowledge you — please know it is deeply appreciated.”

When Did Joshua Allen Pass Away?

A family member confirmed Allen’s death to TMZ on October 1, 2025.

“He didn’t always adhere to everyone’s expectations of how he should conduct himself, but that’s what made him a champion,” Allen’s friend Emmanuel Hurd informed TMZ, describing the late dancer as a “very honest, genuine individual.”

The media outlet subsequently reported that Allen died after being struck by a train.