Tragedy Strikes: 17-Year-Old Cheerleader and America’s Got Talent Contestant Emily Gold Dies Weeks After Her Big Moment
The Los Osos High School community and viewers of America’s Got Talent are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer whose radiant smile and talent touched audiences nationwide.
Emily had recently performed with her school’s dance team on America’s Got Talent, where their passion, teamwork, and energy earned standing ovations and praise from judges — especially Simon Cowell, who called their performance “absolutely brilliant.”
But just weeks after that triumph, tragedy struck.
A Promising Life Cut Short
According to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office, Emily Gold was found deceased on Friday, September 13, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene at approximately 11:52 p.m., confirming that she had been struck by at least one vehicle on the eastbound 210 freeway.
Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez shared, “When officers arrived, they located a 17-year-old female who had been struck in the carpool lane. She succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Authorities believe Emily may have jumped from the overpass before being hit by passing vehicles. While the case is being investigated as a possible suicide, no note was found, according to TMZ.
From the Stage to Stardom
Earlier this year, Emily and her teammates from Los Osos High School dazzled the AGT audience with their vibrant choreography and youthful energy, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Judge Simon Cowell praised their school spirit and the positivity they brought to the stage:
“It reminded me of High School Musical — the energy, the talent, the friendship. Every kid should experience something like that.”
Emily, speaking to People magazine after their performance, shared how much dedication went into perfecting their routines:
“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections we’ve been given — even the ones from five minutes before going on stage. Making sure we apply them is my biggest focus.”
Her words reflected the discipline, passion, and grace that made her such a standout performer and leader.
A Community in Mourning
Emily’s sudden passing has devastated classmates, teammates, and her hometown of Rancho Cucamonga. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support her family through this unimaginable time.
“With great sadness, we share that our Los Osos Grizzly, Emily Gold, has passed away,” the statement reads. “Let’s come together as a community to support the Gold family. All funds will go directly to help them with expenses during this difficult time.”
Her dance team also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram:
“It is with such a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beautiful, kind, and loving Emily Gold — Senior and Varsity Dance Captain. She embodied our team’s values through her strength, commitment, kindness, and humility. Emily will always be remembered as a leader, a role model, a friend, and a sister.”
Remembering Emily
Emily’s story is a painful reminder that even those who appear joyful and successful can be silently struggling.
If you or someone you know is in distress or thinking about suicide, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for confidential support 24/7.
Emily Gold’s light shone brightly — both on and off the stage. Though her time was far too short, her spirit, kindness, and talent will never be forgotten.