The family of a teenage contestant on America’s Got Talent is reeling from grief after she took her own life just one month after a wildly popular performance on the show.
A member of a high school dance team that wowed judges in an August segment of the popular talent show tragically committed suicide on Friday September 13. Emily Gold was just 17 years old at the time of her death. According to a press release from the Rancho Cucamonga Highway Patrol office, police responded to a case of a “pedestrian down in lanes” that night.
They revealed that one “unidentified female” was hit by “at least one” car driving in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on the SR-210 freeway, near Los Angeles. Gold was pronounced dead at the scene, and her death was ruled a suicide by the San Bernardino Coroners’ Office. The press release also stated that the “circumstances” of the girl’s death are “being investigated at this time.”
Authorities received reports of a teenager walking in traffic outside Los Angeles. The girl was already dead when police arrived, having jumped off an overpass onto the highway below.
The news was confirmed by Gold’s family, who said in an Instagram post they are suffering “sadness beyond measure.” They added that their “hearts” are left with “a hole” that is the “size of the universe.” Gold’s family also expressed gratitude for the “love and support” that has been given to them through the “most difficult time of our lives.”
The social media post was followed up with a comment from Gold’s brother, Alex, who wrote that he “love[s]” his sister and promised to “do it all” for her. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to support the family and “help with expenses” that will arise in “this difficult time.”
Gold was a senior at Los Osos High School at the time of her death. Following the tragedy, the school’s principal, Eric Cypher, sent a message to students and parents. He lamented the early morning death of the “beloved Grizzly” who was a member of both the Varsity Cheer and Varsity Dance team. He also expressed “thoughts and prayers” going out to the family “as they grieve.”
The school’s dance team also posted a number of photos and videos in remembrance of their late member, thanking others for “love and support” in the aftermath of the tragedy and calling on them to remember the girl’s family.
Last month, the school’s dance team rose to the America’s Got Talent quarterfinals, sparking strong compliments from judge Simon Cowell even though they did not make it to the last round. Gold shared reflections on her experience shortly after being part of the High School Musical-type performance on the talent show.
Speaking to People in August, Gold said that she focused on “the corrections” that the team is given “up until five minutes” before the performance while she is on stage. She added that her “biggest priority” while performing is ensuring that the team can successfully “apply” all the corrections.