Emily Gold, who appeared on “America’s Got Talent” a month ago, committed suicide at the age of 17.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office told People that LGold, a dancer at Los Osos High School, was found dead at 11:52 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, under a bridge on eastbound 210 in Rancho Cucamonga.
“When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old female who had been struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane of 210 eastbound,” said Rodrigo Jimenez, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol. “The woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Last month, Gold joined the rest of the LOHS dance team on “America’s Got Talent.” They made it to the quarterfinals before ultimately being eliminated, but their performance was still strong enough to earn praise from Simon Cowell.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell said after the group’s audition in May. “What I loved about it was the energy. I think what I’ve just seen is everything a great school should do, which is encourage talent and friendship.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to raise money for Gold’s family. The goal is $50,000, and half of that has already been reached.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold,” the fundraiser said. “Let’s come together as a community and support the Gold family during this difficult time. Please know that this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
