America’s Got Talent is paying homage to Emily Gold, a season 19 participant who died abruptly at the age of 17.
In a Facebook statement, the hit NBC competition program said: “The AGT Family extends our profound sympathies to Emily Gold’s family, friends, and team members. She was a bright young person who would be much missed.
Gold, a Los Osos High School dancer, and America’s Got Talent season 19 participant, committed herself on the evening of September 13, the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE on September 16.
Only weeks had passed since Gold and her high school dance team appeared on the NBC talent program, where they received a standing ovation in the quarterfinal stage before their ousting in August.
A spokeswoman for the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office tells people that Gold committed suicide at 11:52 p.m. on September 13.
In a statement to PEOPLE, California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez stated that “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in the lanes.”
“Upon arrival, the officers discovered a 17-year-old female, struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210,” Jimenez informed the press. After succumbing to her injuries, Jimenez pronounced the female deceased at the scene.
Following the incident, Gold’s dancing team posted a message on Instagram on September 16 honoring their “beautiful, kind, and loving” friend and comrade.
“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most human heart,” they stated at the time. “Her teammates will remember her as a leader, role model, friend, and sister.”
“Our beautiful Emily, we love you endlessly and miss you more than words can express. “Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel,” the team wrote, before writing in the caption, “We thank everyone for the love and support during this time of grief. Just keep the Gold family in your thoughts and prayers. ✨”
Superintendent Dr. Mat Holton of Chaffey Joint Union High School District also expressed his thoughts on Gold’s tragic death in a statement: “The untimely passing of Los Osos High School Senior Emily Gold deeply grieves the Chaffey Joint Union High School District community.” Emily was a valued part of the Los Osos High School community, adored by both students and staff. The district and school are offering on-site grief counselors and therapists to any kid who may want assistance during this tough time. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Emily’s family and loved ones.
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Following her appearance on AGT on August 13, Gold told people about her time onstage: “When I’m performing, I’m thinking about all of the corrections, because we get corrections up until five minutes before we go on stage. My top-stage goal is to consider and apply all of these things.”
When asked how she balanced being in high school and performing on AGT, she stated, “It’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”
Gold’s loved ones have subsequently started a GoFundMe page to help the dancer’s family.
“With great sadness, we share that our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the campaign stated. “Let us come together as a community to help the Gold family during this terrible time.” Make sure that the family receives this money directly to help with their expenses.