Originally published on E! Online
Content warning: This story is about suicide.
Emily Gold will be remembered by those who knew her best.
Days after the 17-year-old America’s Got Talent Candidate committed suicide, her parents, Steven Gold And Brandy Goldshared a heartbreaking tribute to their daughter in a social media post on September 15.
“It is with immense sadness that we share with you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” they wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Emily in her cheerleading uniform. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now.”
“The love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives this angel has touched and lifted up,” Steven and Brandy continued, “and that will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all for your love and support.”
The letter was attributed to both parents and Emily’s brother Alexwho added a heartfelt message in the comments section of his own. He wrote, “I love you sister, I will do anything for you, I will always look for you in heaven.”
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The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed Emily’s death to E! News after she was found dead on a highway in Rancho Cucamonga, California, on September 13. According to the California Highway Patrol, the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
Before her death, the teenager took part in season 19 of AGTShe reached the quarterfinals with her Los Osos dance team and received a standing ovation – as well as enthusiastic criticism from the jury Simon Cowell– before they were eliminated from the competition.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell enthused during the series. Episode from August 13“What I liked most about it was the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should do, which is foster talent and friendship.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for more resources.
