How Did Danny Tidwell Die? 'So You Think You Can Dance' Alum Dead At 35

At just 35 years old, Danny Tidwell seemed to have it all. The classically-trained dancer had already come in as the third runner-up during his season of the hit Fox reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance. Trained in both jazz and ballet dancing, Tidwell worked with some of the most elite companies in the United States, including the American Ballet Theater, during his career as a dancer.

Yet, now, word has just been released that Tidwell has tragically passed away at the age of 35.

So, how did Danny Tidwell die? Let's look at what we know about the tragic passing of this young legend.

1. How did Danny Tidwell die? He died as a result of injuries incurred during a car accident.

On Friday, March 6, 2020, Danny Tidwell was in a fatal car accident. No other details about the car accident — including where it was, the conditions leading up to the crash, and/or the extent of his injuries — have been revealed as of this writing.

2. His "brother" Travis Wall made the announcement on his Instagram page.

Even though Tidwell called Travis Wall his brother — an honorific he bestowed on his fellow dancer because he started living with Wall when he was 10 years old, and Wall's mother adopted him at the age of 12 — they weren't biological brothers. Nevertheless, Wall was the one who made the announcement of Tidwell's death on his Instagram page. You can see the extensive tribute below.

View this post on Instagram

My heart is broken. Yesterday I lost a brother . And we all lost a gift. I’m not ready. But I never think I will be. Because I can’t believe this is real. I can’t believe you’re gone. You were more than my brother. You were my inspiration. I idolized you growing up. Wanted to dance just like you. Wanted to be you! I wish I could jump in your arms again like we used to when we were kids and onstage dancing. We will all remember the joy and passion you brought to everyone you came in contact with through out your journey. A journey cut to short. You are a legend. And I love you so much Danny. Rest In Peace my brother. I can’t believe I’m even typing this . Please pray for my mom and my family during this difficult time.
A post shared by Travis Wall (@traviswall) on Mar 7, 2020 at 9:14am PST

3. Tidwell got a callback for So You Think You Can Dance without having to undergo a second audition.

Tidwell made history on So You Think You Can Dance for yet another reason: he was one of the only dancers who got a callback to go right on to Las Vegas without having to undergo a second audition. Even though the judges on the show found him "arrogant" and felt he acted like he was "God's gift" to the world of dancing, his talent won out and he placed as a third runner-up in his season.

4. Tidwell was married to journalist David Benaym.

In May 2014, Tidwell married journalist David Benaym, and they announced their marriage on social media. Naturally, when it was announced that Tidwell had died, Benaym took to social media again to announce that his husband had passed away. You can see his tribute below.

View this post on Instagram

I'm devastated that my Danny, the love of my life, my beloved friend, the artist, the talented angel, fierce mind, legendary dancer, my now late husband, Danny Tidwell died last night in a car crash while his friend was driving him home from work. I'm thinking of Denise, Travis, Scott, Tyler and Shannon, Grandma, his sisters Latoya and Ronda, his friend that was with him, Eddy, that survives him, and all his dance family that is already expressing the state of shock we are all in. We were so lucky to have him, life was so challenging for him. But he was a warrior, and he came back standing, always. We loved each other so much, he was and always will be family. He made me the happiest for so many years, we were able to create so much together, a book and a show, Moving Still, an amazing magazine adventure for 7 years, movmnt magazine, that made us so proud. He had such an impact on the dance world, life gave him so much to deal with from a young age. I will write more about you Danny, tell your story, continue your legacy, make sure that you are not forgotten, that you are celebrated. An angel with no wings you said you were, you were flying all along, and you'll be our guardian angel from now on. I love you, I'll forever miss you. You're now in peace, mon Danny, and I know you know how much you were loved. #dannytidwell
A post shared by David BENAYM (@benaym) on Mar 7, 2020 at 12:07pm PST

5. Tidwell performed with Norway's National Ballet after his So You Think You Can Dance appearance.

After his successful run on So You Think You Can Dance, Tidwell became best known for his work with Norway's National Ballet. He also performed at various charity shows, including Idol Gives Back, and went on tour with other cast members of So You Think You Can Dance for a 50-city tour shortly after his win.

6. Tributes to Tidwell poured in all over social media.

It didn't take long for tributes to Tidwell to pour in from all over social media. Legendary dancer Debbie Allen — who was a celebrity guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance — said that he was a "dancing genius." Fellow castmember Comfort Fedoke said that Tidwell was a "brilliant talent." And Anya Garnis, another castmember, said that she was "heartbroken" about Tidwell's passing.

Our thoughts are with Danny Tidwell and his family during this difficult time.

Bernadette Giacomazzo is an editor, writer, publicist, and photographer whose work has appeared in Teen Vogue, People, Us Weekly, The Source, XXL, HipHopDX, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, BET.com, and more.