‘America’s Got Talent’ cheerleader Emily Gold dies aged 17 – Tributes pour in
A teenage cheerleader who wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent has been found dead.
Emily Gold, 17, was a Los Osos High School dancer and recently appeared as a contestant on the latest season of America’s Got Talent.
The teenager appeared alongside her Los Osos High School cheerleading squad on the popular reality TV talent show, and saw great success after impressing the judges in the auditions and reaching the series’ quarterfinals.
They were eliminated from the competition in August.
Tragically, authorities have confirmed that Gold was found dead just weeks later on Friday, September 13.
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A statement from the Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team was also shared on Instagram, reading: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beautiful, kind, and loving Emily Gold, Senior and Varsity Dance Captain.
“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most humble heart. She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend, and sister to her teammates.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, a spokesperson from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed that Gold died by suicide at 11:52PM on Friday.
Additionally, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez added that officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area had been responding to a call regarding “a pedestrian down in lanes”.
Jimenez told PEOPLE: “When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 years old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210.
Tragically, Gold “did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene”.
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Following the tragedy, Gold’s loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page in order to help financially support the teenager’s family.
“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the page description reads. “As a community [let’s] come together and support the Gold family in this difficult time. Please know this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.
An update from organizer Jeanette Fierro was shared on Monday, reading: Thank you all who have donated, know that the Gold family is aware of this [GoFundMe] and are grateful for your help and prayers.
“Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
As of this writing, more than $35,000 has been raised.
Last month, the talented teenager spoke with PEOPLE about performing on America’s Got Talent and her love for cheerleading.
“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections because we get corrections up until five minutes before we go on stage,” Gold told the outlet. “So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage.”
When PEOPLE asked how she was finding juggling both high school and her time on the show, she replied: “It’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”
Head judge Simon Cowell was particularly impressed with the dance team’s audition, giving them a standing ovation and describing it as “absolutely brilliant”.
He continued: “What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship. ”
“It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that,” Cowell added.
Following the news of Gold’s tragic death, tributes have poured in on social media.
Commenting on the Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team’s Instagram page, one person wrote: “I’m so sorry. Praying for strength and comfort for all who know and love Emily.”
A second added: “Such a beautiful girl inside and out. We will miss her so much.”
“Praying for you dearest Emily. Your love and your kindness will always be remembered, a legacy that will surely live on,” commented another.
Another person poignantly highlighted: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
Our thoughts go out to Gold’s family and friends at this time.
