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Joshua Allen, best known for winning season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, has died at age 36. His family confirmed that the dancer was fatally struck by a train in Texas on Tuesday, September 30.
According to local reports, police responded to tracks in south Fort Worth around 1 a.m., where they found a man hit by a passing train. Allen was taken to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. An investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.
A relative told TMZ that in one of their final conversations with Allen, he emphasized the importance of keeping faith at the center of life. "One of the last things he said was to keep God first at all times," the family member recalled. "You have to be real with yourself before you can be real with anybody else."
Allen rose to fame in 2008 when he was crowned "America's Favorite Dancer" on the Fox competition series. His versatility, athleticism, and charisma helped him defeat runner-up Stephen "tWitch" Boss, who later became a beloved television personality before his tragic death in 2022.
Fellow dancer and friend Emmanuel Hurd paid tribute on social media, calling Allen "a very honest, real person" who inspired countless fans. "He didn't always do things the way people expected, but that's why he was a winner," Hurd shared. "Josh made his mark on the world."
Just months before his death, Allen celebrated his 36th birthday with a grateful post online. "Cheers to another trip around the sun," he wrote in March. "Thank you, God. To everyone who called, texted, or showed love, I see you."
Allen remained close to the dance community after his win, making appearances at events, teaching workshops, and continuing to perform. His family has asked for privacy as they grieve, while fans and former colleagues have filled social media with messages of love and sorrow.
Joshua Allen's journey from small-town beginnings to national recognition left an undeniable impact on the world of dance. His life was cut short, but his legacy as a performer and role model will continue to resonate.
