A TRAGIC video shows star cheerleader Emily Gold break dancing on America’s Got Talent just months before she took her own life.
The teenager, 17, was filmed dancing alongside the Los Osos High School Dance Team in May.
The school’s dance team ended up in the series’ quarterfinals before being eliminated during the shows in August.
Judge Simon Cowell gave the students a standing ovation and praised them as “absolutely brilliant” in the show.
“What I loved about this was first of all the energy,” Cowell said after their performance.
“I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship. “
As dance captain for the varsity team, Emily played a key role in her team’s elaborate performances on AGT.
She was set to give more hit performances before she tragically took her own life last weekend.
On September 13, just before midnight, the California Highway Patrol got calls that a teenager was wandering through traffic in Rancho Cucamonga, outside Los Angeles.
When they arrived at the scene, they found Emily’s body underneath an overpass, and believe she was hit at least once, the CHP told The US Sun.
She was declared dead at the scene and the driver who hit her was nowhere to be found.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office confirmed to The US Sun that she had died by suicide, but had no other details to share.
The driver who hit her has not come forward but could face charges if they’re found.
The school’s pep squad shared a heartbreaking tribute to the athlete following the news of her death.
“To our sweet Emily Gold, The girl who lit up every room she walked in, brought a smile to everyone’s face, had the most infectious laugh,” LOHS Pep Squad remembered the student in a post.
The team went on to remember Emily as “one of a kind.”
“Our team will never be the same without you, Gold,” the tribute said.
“Wishing we could see you cheer and dance just one more time.”
THE Los Osos High School pep squad shared a tribute to Emily Gold on Instagram after her death at 17.
“To our sweet Emily Gold,” the post began.
“The girl who lit up every room she walked in, brought a smile to everyone’s face, had the most infectious laugh.
“Emily you are truly one of a kind. You were so adored by everyone who knew you. The energy that you brought to both cheer and dance was so strong and spirited, more than words could ever describe.
“You knew how to make everyone feel seen and welcomed. The talent you have surpasses means. The amount of love that people have for you is beyond any measure and we hope you will forever know that.
“Our team will never be the same without you, Gold.
“Wishing we could see you cheer and dance just one more time.
“Thank you for sharing your light with us. Thank you for being the best teammate and friend any of us could ask for. Thank you for bringing us beautiful memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
“We will honor your kind, beautiful spirit with pride and dignity.
“We love you forever, Emily Gold,” the message concluded.
Emily shared now-tragic photos of herself smiling with other dancers as they blazed through the last season of AGT.
In one Instagram post, she described auditioning as “the most incredible experience.”
“So beyond thankful for the love and support!!'”she wrote, before thanking the high school dance team “for being the best family”.
The teen also celebrated her senior year of high school just weeks before her tragic death weekend.
Emily shared pictures of a “senior sunrise” with her friends less than a month before her shocking death.
In her last post on Instagram, the teen smiled alongside friends as they celebrated their senior year at Los Osos High School.
Heartbreaking tributes to the teen continue to pour out on social media.
Friends and classmates memorialized her in emotional comments on her post and prayed she would rest in peace.
“Rest in peace angel,” one wrote under her last post on Instagram.
“I miss you every second baby,” another commented.
“Rest in peace sweet girl. we will forever remember the beauty of your heart and soul,” a third shared.
Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher announced the student’s death in a message to parents and students, according to Deadline.
“I’m sorry to share tragic news with you regarding a fellow Grizzly. Early this morning, a senior and beloved Grizzly, Emily Gold, has passed away,” Cypher said.
“Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity Cheer squad, our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve.”
A GoFundMe has been created for the community to support Gold’s family after her sudden death.
“With great sadness, we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the page said.
“As a community let’s 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.”
At the time of writing, the page has raised more than $25,000 – over half of the fundraiser’s goal.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the fundraiser’s organizers for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
