‘AGT’ dancer Emily Gold dies by suicide at 17 shortly after appearing on show
“America’s Got Talent” dancer Emily Gold has died by suicide at the age of 17, just weeks after she and her high school team appeared on the competition show.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told Page Six on Monday that Gold — a senior and the varsity dance captain at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. — is believed to have “leaped off the over-crossing and landed on the freeway in the carpool lane” on Friday night.
Jimenez said that just before midnight, CHP officers “responded to a call of a pedestrian down in lanes on eastbound SR-210, east of Haven Avenue.”
Gold “was struck by at least one vehicle” in the carpool lane, Jimenez explained, adding that she “succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Jimenez noted that the incident is under investigation and requested that anyone with additional information contact Officer S. Gonzalez at 909-980-3449.
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to Page Six that Gold’s manner of death has been ruled a suicide, which People was first to report.
According to TMZ, there were no suicide notes found at the scene or on Gold.
“With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th. Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” the teen’s parents announced via Instagram.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the LOHS varsity dance team wrote in their own statement, “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.”
The superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Dr. Mat Holton, echoed the above sentiments, telling Page Six that “the community is heartbroken by the tragic death” of Gold, whom they called “cherished” and “beloved.”
“The district and school are providing on-site grief counselors and therapists to any student who might need support during this difficult time,” Holton made sure to note before extending his “deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones.”
Though reps for “AGT” did not immediately respond to our request for comment, the program’s Facebook page posted, “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 and her team competed on Season 19 of the NBC series, during which they earned a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” he gushed after one of their performances. “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,” he continued. “It reminded me of seeing the ‘High School Musical’ movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”
The group made it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated last month.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
