‘America’s Got Talent’ Honors Contestant After Her Sudden Death

“America’s Got Talent” is honoring season 19 contestant Emily Gold, who tragically passed away at the age of 17.

Gold, a Los Osos High School dancer and contestant on “America’s Got Talent” season 19, tragically took her own life on the evening of September 13.

Following her death by suicide on September 13, “America’s Got Talent” released a heartfelt tribute, celebrating Emily Gold’s “strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and truly remarkable heart.”

“AGT” star Gold was found deceased under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Highway in Rancho Cucamonga just before midnight on Friday.

Multiple callers alerted the California Highway Patrol after spotting Gold on the road east of Haven Avenue. A CHP spokesman reported that several cars struck her body before officers arrived, with at least one vehicle failing to stop.

The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office is treating the 17-year-old’s death as a suicide, according to the Daily Mail.

A spokesperson from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office told People Magazine that Gold was found deceased by suicide at 11:52 p.m. on September 13.

The tragedy occurred just weeks after Gold and her high school dance team performed on NBC’s talent show, receiving a standing ovation during the quarterfinals before being eliminated in August.

“Officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes,” California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told the outlet. “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,” he added.

According to People Magazine, “America’s Got Talent” released a statement, remembering the late 17-year-old.

“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.”

Gold’s dance team also issued a statement, remembering their “beautiful, kind and loving” friend and teammate.

“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most human heart,” the team wrote in the post. “She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend and sister to her teammates.”

“Our sweet, sweet Emily – we love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express. Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel,” the team added. “We thank everyone for the love and support during this time of grief and just ask that you keep the Gold family in your thoughts and prayers.”

After hearing the news, Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher released a written statement, per The Mirror, expressing, “Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad, our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve.”

He added, “Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

Gold’s loved ones have since set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her family.

“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away. As a community let’s come together and support the Gold family in this difficult time,” the page reads. “Please know this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.”

In an update, the family shared, “Thank you all for the continued prayers, thoughts and donations. These donations will be used for Emily’s services, expenses during this difficult time while the family is unable to work and possibly a memorial for Emily. The family is so grateful for all that have shown love and support. Thank you!”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.