Earlier this week, we reported that 17-year-old high school cheerleader Emily Gold had tragically died by suicide. This came just one month after Gold competed on season 19 of America’s Got Talent with her high school dance team. They made it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated.

Now, America’s Got Talent is speaking out to pay tribute to Gold after her death.

Tributes For Gold

“The AGT Family sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold,” the show said in a statement posted to Facebook.

“She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed,” the statement added.

Los Osos High School, where Gold was a student, honored her as well in the wake of her death.

“The Chaffey Joint Union High School District community is heartbroken by the tragic death of Los Osos High School Senior Emily Gold,” said Chaffey Joint Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Mat Holton. “Emily was a cherished member of the Los Osos High School campus and was beloved by her fellow students and teachers.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones,” he later added.

Gold Found Dead

The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed Gold’s death to People Magazine. They said that she died by suicide on the night of Friday, September 13. She was reportedly found dead at 11:52pm.

California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez reported, “When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210. The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Afterwards, Gold’s dance team took to Instagram to honor her memory.

“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most human heart,” they wrote in the post. “She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend and sister to her teammates.”

“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,” the team continued, before writing in the caption, “We thank everyone for the love and support during this time of grief and just ask that you keep the Gold family in your thoughts and prayers. ✨”

Backstory: ‘America’s Got Talent’ Cheerleader Emily Gold Dies at 17

Gold’s Time On America’s Got Talent

This comes just one month after Gold competed on America’s Got Talent with the Los Osos High School dance team. Indeed, they made it through the auditions and got to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated in August.

Even though they were eliminated, the team received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell told Gold’s team. “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,” he later added.

Check out that performance in the video below.

Related: Perry Kurtz, Fan-Favorite on ‘America’s Got Talent’ Killed In Hit And Run At 73

Gold Loved Performing

Meanwhile, in an August 13 interview, Gold opened up about competing on America’s Got Talent.

“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections because we get corrections up until five minutes before we go on stage,” she said. “So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage.”

Gold was asked about juggling school and competing on the show. She replied that “it’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”

We can’t imagine what Gold’s family and friends are going through right now. Please join us in saying a prayer for them during this devastating time.

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