‘America’s Got Talent’ Cheerleader Emily Gold Dies by Suicide at 17
Heartbreaking news has been revealed about a teenager who recently competed on America’s Got Talent with her high school dance team. A 17-year-old cheerleader named Emily Gold has died by suicide just weeks after she and her team from Los Osos High School competed on the show, and now, her community is raising money to help her loved ones during what must be an unimaginably difficult time.
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Emily was found dead last week.
According to People, Emily was found dead at 11:52 p.m. September 13 after the California Highway Patrol responded to reports of a pedestrian down. The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed her death by suicide.
“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,” California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez noted in a statement to People. “The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Emily competed on ‘America’s Got Talent’ last month.
In an episode that aired in August, Emily joined the Los Osos High School dance team on stage at America’s Got Talent, making it all the way to the quarterfinals before their act was eliminated.
Following their appearance on the show, Emily was named one of the captains of the varsity dance team.
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The high school dance team has shared a statement on Emily’s passing.
“It is with such a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beautiful, kind, and loving Emily Gold, Senior and Varsity Dance Captain,” read a statement from the team’s Instagram account. “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.”
Her community is raising money to support her family.
Earlier this week, a GoFundMe account was created to help Emily’s family with expenses they may incur in the wake of her death.
“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away. As a community lets come together and support the Gold family in this difficult time,” a message on the page reads. “Please know this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.”
So far, more than $36,000 has been raised in Emily’s honor.
Emily’s family has also spoken out.
On Monday, Emily’s family shared a statement on Instagram, including her parents, Brady and Steven.
“With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” they wrote alongside a photo of Emily in her cheerleading uniform. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now. 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.”
__*Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They [are available](https://988lifeline.org/chat/) 24/7 by phone or online chat.*__
