Topics: America's Got Talent, Film and TV, GoFundMe, US News, Mental Health, California
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing
A cheerleader who auditioned for America's Got Talent as part of Los Osos High School dance team has passed away at the age of 17.
In May earlier this year, a varsity dance team from Los Osos High School in California auditioned for season 19 of America's Got Talent, performing a routine to 'OMG' by Usher and will.i.am. They made it all the way to the semi-finals of the competition.
Sadly, on Friday (September 13), it was revealed the Varsity Dance Captain, Emily Gold, had died in an apparent suicide.
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San Bernardino Coroner's Office confirmed to PEOPLE the 17-year-old died by suicide and was discovered at 11:52pm.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told the outlet 'officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes'.
When officials arrived, a 17-year-old female was discovered in the 'carpool lane on eastbound 210'.
She had been 'struck by at least one other vehicle' and 'did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene'.
The teenager's passing has since been confirmed by her dance team.
Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team took to Instagram to share a post paying tribute to Emily, sharing footage of the teen alongside a statement.
It states: "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. 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."
A GoFundMe has also since been started by Emily's loved ones to raise money to support her family and go towards the funeral expenses.
The website reads: "With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away. As a community lets 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."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
