America's Got Talent contestant Emily Gold, who recently appeared on Season 19 as part of the Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team, has died by suicide at the age of 17.
Gold, a senior and varsity dance captain, is believed to have "leaped off the the over-crossing and landed on the freeway in the carpool lane” on eastbound SR-210 Friday (September 13), California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez confirmed to Page Six on Monday (September 16). The 17-year-old was reportedly "struck by at least one vehicle" in the carpool lane before she “succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene," according to Jimenez.
The Los Osos High School VarsIty Dance Team issued a statement announcing Gold's death on its Instagram account.
"It is with such a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beautiful, kind, and loving Emily Gold, Senior and Varisty Dance Captain," the team wrote. "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.
"Our sweet sweet Emily - We love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express. Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel."
Gold's death remains under investigation and the California Highway Patrol is seeking additional information, according to Jimenez.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.