Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
A 17-year-old cheerleader who auditioned for America’s Got Talent with the Los Osos High School dance team has died.
Earlier this year in May, the varsity dance team from Los Osos High School in California auditioned for the 19th season of America’s Got Talent, performing to ‘OMG’ by Usher and will.i.am. Their impressive performance took them to the semi-finals of the competition.
Tragically, it was announced on Friday (September 13) that the Varsity Dance Captain, Emily Gold, had died in an apparent suicide.
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that the 17-year-old had died by suicide and was found at 11:52pm.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez informed the outlet, “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes”.
Upon arrival, officials found a 17-year-old female in the “carpool lane on eastbound 210”.
She had been “struck by at least one other vehicle” and “did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene”.
Emily’s death was later confirmed by her dance team.
The Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team posted a tribute to Emily on Instagram, including footage of her and a heartfelt message.
The post stated: “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. 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.
“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.”
A GoFundMe has been created by Emily’s loved ones to raise money to help her family with funeral expenses.
The website reads: “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. Please know this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.