A California school community is in mourning following the tragic death of a beloved student, Emily Gold, just a month after her dance troupe impressed judges on America’s Got Talent.
Emily, 17, was discovered deceased under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Highway in Rancho Cucamonga shortly before midnight on Friday. The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office has classified her death as a suicide.
Emily was a member of the Los Osos High School dance team, which reached the quarterfinals of the reality TV competition with an energetic routine.
In response to her passing, a GoFundMe campaign has quickly gathered nearly half of its $50,000 goal, with devastated friends paying tribute to Emily on social media.
On Facebook, Samantha Shaw wrote, “Let it be known that she now rests easy although there were many that loved Emily Gold and even looked up to her.
She will be remembered nonetheless by her fellow Grizzlies and by those who loved her with all their heart and soul. Emily Gold, thank you for all that you have done in this world. You have done more than enough. Claws up to you, Emily. Claws up.”
The talented dancer’s last public appearance was on America’s Got Talent, where judge Simon Cowell gave the group a standing ovation during their audition in May.
Cowell praised their performance, saying, “It was absolutely brilliant. 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. It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking, ‘Every kid should go to a school like that.’”
Emily was actively involved in both the school’s Varsity Dance Team and the Varsity cheer squad. Her final Instagram post was shared four weeks ago.
The California Highway Patrol received multiple calls reporting Emily’s presence on the road just east of Haven Avenue. When officers arrived, several vehicles had already struck her body, with at least one failing to stop.
On Saturday, Los Osos High School informed students of Emily’s death, stating, “Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve.”
Principal Eric Cypher also expressed condolences in a written statement: “Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Fellow troupe member Mia Bustamante expressed her sorrow on Instagram, saying, “You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ask for. My best friend, my forever dance sister. You will be missed beyond words.”
