“America’s Got Talent” dancer Emily Gold has died by suicide at the age of 17 just weeks after she and her high school team appeared on the competition show.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told Page Six on Monday that Gold — a senior and the varsity dance captain at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. — is believed to have “leaped off the over-crossing and landed on the freeway in the carpool lane” on Friday night.
Jimenez said that just before midnight, CHP officers “responded to a call of a pedestrian down in lanes on eastbound SR-210, east of Haven Avenue.”
Gold “was stuck by at least one vehicle” in the carpool lane, Jimenez explained, adding that she “succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Jimenez noted that the incident is under investigation and requested that anyone with additional information contact Officer S. Gonzalez at 909-980-3449.
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to People that Gold’s manner of death has been ruled a suicide.
TMZ reported, however, that there were no suicide notes found at the scene or on Gold.
“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,” the LOHS varsity dance team wrote in a statement via Instagram.
“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.”
Speaking directly to Gold, they added, “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.”
Page Six has requested comments from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office, Los Osos High School and reps for “AGT” — but did not immediately hear back.
Gold and her team appeared on Season 19 of the NBC competition series, during which they earned a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” he gushed after one of their performances. “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 continued. “It reminded me of seeing the ‘High School Musical’ movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”
The group made it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated last month.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.