RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KTLA) — Students and staff at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, are grieving the loss of varsity dance team captain Emily Gold, just months after she appeared with her team on “America’s Got Talent.”
Gold, 17, was found dead on a freeway Friday, Rancho Cucamonga police said. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities confirmed Gold died by suicide.
Friends and loved ones described the high school senior as beautiful, kind, loving, and a leader.
In one of her final Instagram posts, Gold wrote that performing on “AGT” was “the most incredible experience.” She also thanked her high school team for being the best family she could ever ask for.
The Los Osos High School dance team competed on Season 19 of “AGT,” making it to the quarterfinals. In a statement Tuesday, “AGT” shared its “heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold.”
“She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed,” the statement added.
Los Osos High School made grief counselors available to support students and staff.
“Emily was a cherished member of the Los Osos High School campus and was beloved by her fellow students and teachers,” the Chaffey Joint Union High School District superintendent said in a statement.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Gold’s family pay for funeral expenses.
Gold’s death comes during National Suicide Prevention Month. A suicide and crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day to anyone in need of support and can be reached by dialing 988.
