Los Osos High School dancer and America’s Got Talent contestant Emily Gold, 17, has died.
On Friday, Sept. 13, Gold was found dead by suicide at 11:52 pm, the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said that “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes.”
America’s Got Talent cheerleader Emily Gold dies by suicide aged 17 https://t.co/WioE1E9PQO
— Independent TV (@TheIndyTV) September 16, 2024
“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,” Jimenez said. “The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Police have asked anybody who saw what happened or has additional information to contact their investigator, Officer S. Gonzalez.
Contestant on America’s Got Talent
Just last month, the Southern California teenager had wowed the nation alongside the Los Osos High School dance team on America’s Got Talent. After making it through auditions, the group landed in to the series’ quarterfinals before they were eliminated in August.
Despite their elimination, judge Simon Cowell gave the team’s high energy performance a standing ovation.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell 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. “
Cowell continued, “It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”
Family struggles
On Aug. 13, Gold said of her time onstage with America’s Got Talent, “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. So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage.”
Asked how she was juggling being in high school with performing on AGT,she said, “it’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”
Shortly after the news of her death, Gold’s loved ones organized a GoFundMe to raise money for the dancer’s family.
“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the fundraiser read. “As a community lets 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.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- TMZ reports on the tragic suicide of 17-year-old Emily Gold, a talented cheerleader from ‘America’s Got Talent,’ raiseing urgent discussions about mental health support for young performers. (Read more)
- People shared how cheerleader Emily Gold’s death highlights the hidden struggles of young entertainers. Her vibrant spirit on ‘AGT’ contrasts sharply with this heartbreaking outcome. (Read more)
- Us Magazine reports the loss of Emily Gold, a promising cheerleader and dancer, serving as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by youth in competitive environments like America’s Got Talent. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Emily Gold?
Emily Gold was a 17-year-old dancer from Los Osos High School in California and a recent contestant on America’s Got Talent, where she performed with her school’s dance team.
How did Emily Gold die?
Emily Gold died by suicide on Friday, September 13, 2024. She was struck by a vehicle in the carpool lane on the eastbound 210 highway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
What was Emily Gold’s experience on America’s Got Talent?
Emily Gold and her Los Osos High School dance team reached the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent before being eliminated in August. Their high-energy performance received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.
What support is being organised for Emily Gold’s family?
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Emily Gold’s family during this difficult time, helping with expenses following her tragic death.
How did Simon Cowell respond to the Los Osos High School dance team’s performance?
Simon Cowell praised the team’s energy and performance, likening it to a High School Musical moment, saying it represented what great schools should be encouraging—talent and friendship.