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Donyelle Jones, 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 2 Finalist, Dies at 46

Her family announced her death on Instagram at 8:34 a.m. following her recent hospice update to fans.

Overview

  • The Instagram post, using her married name Donyelle Denise Wilson, said she had "transitioned" and remembered her as a loving relative and a "warrior."
  • Days earlier, she told followers she was in hospice, said her liver had stopped functioning, and shared that she was putting her affairs in order.
  • Jones was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer in 2016 that progressed to stage 4 metastatic disease after treatments including a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
  • A hip-hop and jazz specialist, she finished third on the show's 2006 Season 2 and later appeared in projects such as Be Cool and Spirited.
  • Tributes followed from peers and fans, with Benji Schwimmer posting archival footage and a video message, and figures like Yvette Nicole Brown and LA Dance Magic honoring her impact.