Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer and cheerleader from Los Osos High School died weeks after her team reached the quarterfinals on America’s Got Talent.
The teenager and her dance troupe impressed the judges and earned a standing ovation from Simon Cowell during their quarterfinal performance.
Mia BustamanteGold was found dead under a bridge on the 210 Highway in Rancho Cucamonga on Friday, September 13. The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office suspects suicide, and authorities confirmed she had been struck by a vehicle. A GoFundMe page has been created to support her family, raising over $75,000 so far.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told People that “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes.”
When they arrived at the scene, they found a 17-year-old female “who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210.”
The teenager, later identified as Gold, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The news of her tragic passing was confirmed by Gold’s heartbroken family.
Her father, Steven, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram. “With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th, our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” he wrote.
“The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.”
Friends and family paid tribute to Gold.
“The times we spent together won’t ever be enough,” Gold’s brother Alex wrote. “You were my whole childhood and the memories we made together and all the places we’ve been and seen together will always stay with me. You really broke my heart Em.
“I’ll always stay up for you and live life for you.”
Mia Bustamante, one of Gold’s closest friends, also paid her tributes and honored her friend whom she described as “such a light in my life.”
“My beautiful Goldie, words cannot describe how much I love you. Thinking of being without you breaks my heart. You will be so so missed beyond words,” Mia wrote on Instagram.
“You have a way of making everyday so much brighter and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. You are such a light in my life and will be forever. You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ask for.
“My best friend, my forever dance sister. I love you infinitely my Emmy.”
We are so very sorry for the loss of such a young life. May she rest in peace.