Joshua Allen dies at 36, SYTYCD Season 4 winner remembered

TL;DR:

• Joshua Allen died at 36 on September 30, 2025.
  
• His family confirmed the news, no cause shared.
  
• He won SYTYCD Season 4 in 2008 at age 18.
  
• Credits include Step Up 3D and Footloose.
  
• Tributes are pouring in from dancers and fans.

Joshua Allen, the winner of Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance, has died at 36. His family confirmed the news on October 1, 2025. They said he died on September 30, 2025. They did not share the cause of death. Outlets including TMZ and People reported the confirmation. The Independent also covered the news with timing and background.

Allen became a known name in 2008. He won the Fox competition at 18 years old. Stephen “tWitch” Boss was the runner up that season. Their friendly rivalry made the final memorable.

When and where

Reports on October 1, 2025, state that Allen died on September 30, 2025. His family asked for privacy and prayers. No location of death was shared in the family note to media.

Who he was

Allen was born on March 13, 1989, in Fort Worth, Texas. He trained across styles and leaned into hip hop and freestyle. On SYTYCD, he showed range with ballroom, contemporary, and group sets. He returned to the show in later years as an All-Star.

After the show, he booked film and TV roles. His credits include Step Up 3D in 2010 and the Footloose remake in 2011. He also appeared in American Horror Story and Community. He taught at workshops and events across the United States. Dancers recall his energy and his clean musicality.

How the dance world is reacting

Choreographers and peers shared quick tributes on social media on October 1, 2025. They praised his honesty, work rate, and stage power. Fans posted clips of his duets and finals routines. Many highlighted his chemistry with partners on Season 4. The tone is one of shock and gratitude.

Background on Season 4

Season 4 aired in summer 2008. The season produced several fan favorites. Allen’s win was announced on August 7, 2008. He earned the $250,000 prize and a tour spot. The finale drew strong ratings for Fox that year. His freestyle solos, mix of character and hits, and growth arc won votes.

Career highlights

• SYTYCD Season 4 winner, 2008.
  
• Film roles. Step Up 3D and Footloose.
  
• TV work. American Horror Story and Community.
  
• Live events. Teaching, workshops, and appearances at dance meets.
  
• All-Star returns. Guest spots on later SYTYCD seasons.
  

Recent timeline

The following quick view helps readers track key dates.

What we know and what we do not

Confirmed. His death was confirmed by a family member to media on October 1, 2025. Multiple outlets match the age and the September 30 date.
Unknown. The cause of death has not been disclosed. No public memorial plans were announced at press time.

Why it matters

Allen’s win marked a high point for street styles on network TV. He helped a new wave of freestyle and hip hop reach prime time. His work showed young dancers that range and training can mix with raw style. The news is a loss for a community that has already mourned other stars from that era.

Impact on SYTYCD fans and alumni

Expect tribute posts and routine replays to trend this week. Alumni may gather clips and memories. A formal tribute from the show or Fox would not be a surprise. Fans can share memories, but should be mindful of the family’s request for privacy.

If you plan to cover or share the news

Use clear language and correct dates. Avoid guessing the cause of death. Link to reliable sources. If you post older clips, add context on dates and partners. Respect the family’s privacy note.

How to revisit his best work

• Rewatch Season 4 finals routines and duets.
  
• Look for his Step Up 3D sequences.
  
• Find teaching reels from his workshop tours.
  
• Read interviews from 2008 to 2012 about his growth after the show.
  

Editor’s notes for context

In 2008, Allen’s win aligned with a spike in TV dance culture. SYTYCD, ABDC, and the Step Up films moved dance into pop culture. His arc from early auditions to the finale is a clean story of skill and presence. That story helps explain why tributes are strong today.

What happens next

• Family or reps may share memorial details in the coming days.
  
• The show may post an official tribute.
  
• Colleagues may organize a class or fundraiser in his name.
  
• We will update this story if official plans are announced.
  

Sources:

• TMZ, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Season 4 Winner Joshua Allen Dead at 36, https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/01/so-you-think-you-can-dance-season-4-winner-joshua-allen-dead/, October 1, 2025
  
• People, So You Think You Can Dance Winner Joshua Allen Dies at 36, https://people.com/so-you-think-you-can-dance-winner-joshua-allen-dead-at-36-11822101, October 1, 2025
  
• The Independent, So You Think You Can Dance winner Joshua Allen dies aged 36, https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/joshua-allen-sytycd-winner-dead-age-b2837373.html, October 1, 2025