America’s Got Talent is paying tribute to former contestant Emily Gold, who died at just 17 years old by suicide.
“The AGT Family sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold. She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed,” the show’s official X account shared, alongside a photo of the teen smiling and holding up an AGT sign.
The dancer’s parents, Steven Gold and Brandy Gold, also shared a heartbreaking message about their late daughter on Instagram. “With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” they captioned a photo of Emily in her cheer uniform. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now.”
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The statement continued, “The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”
Gold was found dead at 11:52 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 13), the San Bernardino Coroner told People. Per the California Highway Patrol Public Information Office, “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes.”
The statement continued, “When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210. The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Last month, Gold and the Los Osos High School dance team were eliminated in the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals. However, the team received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell. “It was absolutely brilliant,” he said at the time. “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. “
Gold’s community has since organized a GoFundMe to raise money for her family. See it here.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s website for free, confidential emotional support and resources 24/7.