Cheerleader, 17, dies just weeks after her success on America’s Got Talent

Her grace, passion, and energy lit up the stage – but now, we are faced with some heartbreaking news.

Los Osos High School dancer and America’s Got Talent contestant Emily Gold, 17, has tragically passed away. On Friday, Sept. 13, Emily was found dead, as confirmed by the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office.

The Southern California teenager, who recently competed on AGT with her team, was found dead by suicide on Friday, September 13, according to the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office.

California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez confirmed that officers responded to the incident at around 11:52 p.m.

”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 succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

According to Page Six, Gold is believed to have ”reaped off the over-crossing and landed on the freeway in the carpool lane” in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Even though her death is being treated as a suicide, TMZ reported that no suicide notes were found.

Earlier this year, Gold had captured the attention of millions of viewers as part of her high school’s dance team on America’s Got Talent, where the team progressed to the quarterfinals.

Judge Simon Cowell was particularly impressed with their performance, praising the energy they brought to the stage.

”It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell said during the show.

”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 added, ”It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”

Gold herself spoke with People after the team’s performance, expressing the care and focus she put into each show.

”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,” she said.

Following her passing, the Los Osos High School community has been left in shock. A fundraiser has been launched to support the Gold family during this difficult time.

”With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the fundraiser statement read.

”As a community, let’s 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.”

Her dance team also paid tribute to her on Instagram:

”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.”