Emily Gold, a recent contestant on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT), has tragically passed away. The 17-year-old dancer from Los Osos High School died just a few weeks after captivating the nation with her performance on the popular show.

The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed that Gold was found dead by suicide on the night of Friday, September 13. The incident occurred at 11:52 p.m. along the eastbound 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

According to a statement from California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian down in the carpool lane.

“When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 years old, who had been struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane,” Jimenez said. “The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The officer’s statement provided a clear yet devastating account of what had occurred that night, leaving many with more questions than answers. Gold’s final weeks were marked by a highlight in her young life.

She had the chance to perform on “AGT” alongside her Los Osos High School dance team. The Southern California group captured the nation’s attention with their high-energy routine, which propelled them to the show’s quarterfinals.

Although they were eliminated in August, their performance left a lasting impression on the audience and judges alike. Simon Cowell, one of AGT’s toughest critics, gave the team a standing ovation for their outstanding act.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell remarked, praising the energy and talent displayed on stage. He even compared the performance to scenes from “High School Musical.” adding, “I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship.”

Though they didn’t make it further in the competition, Gold and her teammates had left a memorable mark. In an interview with People magazine in mid-August, Gold shared her thoughts on her experience performing on the AGT stage.

Despite the high-pressure environment, she emphasized her focus on perfecting every detail. Balancing school and a national TV appearance wasn’t easy for the young dancer, but she handled it with grace and perseverance.

When asked how she managed to juggle being a high school student with performing on “AGT,” Gold admitted, “It’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.” Her words now carry an even deeper meaning, revealing the weight she carried during those challenging weeks.

Following the heartbreaking news of Gold’s death, her family, friends, and community quickly came together to offer their support. Shortly after her passing, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help ease the burden of expenses for her family during this difficult time.

The campaign’s message reflects the deep sense of loss felt by those closest to her. “With great sadness, we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away. 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,” it reads.

The overwhelming outpouring of love and support for Gold’s family highlights the impact she had on those around her. Her school, classmates, and the local community united to remember a young girl who had touched so many lives in her short time.

It’s clear that Gold’s memory will be carried on through the support of her loved ones and the community that is rallying behind her. Fans and viewers of “America’s Got Talent” have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the talented young dancer.

Many are heartbroken by the sudden loss, with several expressing disbelief that someone so vibrant and full of life could be gone so soon. “She looks so happy outside and probably dealt with so much inside, RIP angel,” one commenter wrote.

Others echoed the sentiment, with tributes like “Rest in Peace little Angel. Sending prayers to her family” and “So sad, so young and gone too soon” flooding online spaces.

Fans also reflected on her memorable AGT performance, with one person commenting, “Incredible 🔥🔥🔥. The [no-ending] cheering from the audience says it all 👏👏👏.” Another added, “These kids are sensational. I am so sorry to hear about the young girl who passed.”

These heartfelt tributes reflect the deep connection that viewers had to Gold, not only as a performer but also as a young individual whose life was tragically cut short.