'America's Got Talent' pays tribute to Emily Gold after 17-year-old dancer's death

America has talent pays tribute to former contestant Emily Gold, who died aged just 17 by suicide.

“The AGT family extends our deepest condolences to Emily Gold's family, friends and team members. She was a bright young soul and will be greatly missed,” the show's official X account shared, along with a photo of the teenager smiling and holding a AGT point.

The dancer's parents, Steven Gold and Brandy Gold, also shared a heartbreaking message for their late daughter on Instagram. “It is with great sadness that we have to tell you that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th.” these captioned a photo of Emily in her cheerleading outfit. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now.”

The statement continued: “The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives this angel touched and uplifted, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”

Gold was found dead at 11:52 p.m. Friday (September 13), the San Bernardino Medical Examiner said. People. According to the California Highway Patrol's Office of Public Information, “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga District responded to a pedestrian who had driven across the lanes.”

The statement continued, “When officers arrived, they located a female, 17 years old, who had been struck by at least one other vehicle in the eastbound lane of 210th Street. The female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. .”

Last month, Gold and the Los Osos High School dance team were eliminated in the America has talent quarterfinals. However, the group received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell. “It was absolutely brilliant,” he said at the time. “What I liked about it was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should do, which is to encourage talent and friendship. “

Gold's community has since set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her family. Check it out here.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website free, confidential emotional support and resources 24/7.