America’s Got Talent contestant Emily Gold has tragically died at just 17 years old.
Gold starred in the televised talent show’s ongoing 19th series, performing as part of the Los Osos High School (LOSH) dance troupe.
She was on the varsity dance team and cheer squad at her South California high school.
Gold and her fellow dance troupe wowed audiences on AGT, making it all the way to the quarter-finals.
In an interview with People magazine, the teenager said of her time onstage: “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.”
When asked how she juggled high school and performing, she added: “It’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”
Although the dance troupe was eventually eliminated, they received high praise from judge Simon Cowell, who said: “It was absolutely brilliant, 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.”
Following news of Gold’s tragic passing, tributes have poured in on social media.
An Instagram tribute from LOHS says Gold will be remembered as a ‘leader, role model, friend, and sister to her teammates.’
It adds: “We love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express. Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel.”
AGT viewers have also flooded social media to pay their respects, with one person writing: “A beautiful, talented, young girl, this is heartbreaking.”
Another adds: “Her and her team wowed the nation.”
“Beyond tragic, praying for her family,” a third says.
Somebody else pens: “Such devastating and deeply heartbreaking news.”
Warning: the following contains a discussion of s**cide.
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to People magazine that Gold was found dead at 11:52 p.m. on Friday, September 13.
Her death is reportedly being treated as a s**cide.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support the Gold family during this difficult time. At the time of writing, it’s received over $38,000 in donations.
An update on the fundraiser reads: “Thank you all for the continued prayers, thoughts, and donations. These donations will be used for Emily’s services, expenses during this difficult time while the family is unable to work, and possibly a memorial for Emily.
“The family is so grateful for all that have shown love and support. Thank you!”
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Watch the LOHS dance troupe perform below…
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National S**cide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S.A. at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the U.K., the Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.