A teenage cheerleader who earned a standing ovation during her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” last month died by suicide in Southern California on Friday.
Emily Gold, 17, was found dead under a bridge on the 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office told Deadline and People.
The office confirmed to the Daily News that Gold’s death is being treated as a suicide; California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.
Gold died during National Suicide Prevention Week and National Suicide Prevention Month.
Authorities told TMZ they believe Gold leapt from the overpass and ultimately landed on the freeway where she was reportedly hit by an oncoming car. A note has not been found.
“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,” CHP told People. The victim ultimately “did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
A month earlier, Gold and her Los Osos High School dance troupe made it to the “AGT” quarter-finals and received a standing ovation from the crowd and judge Simon Cowell. They were subsequently eliminated.
Gold at the time told People that while it was “definitely tough to balance” high school with appearing on the NBC competition series, “but we make it happen.”
A GoFundMe established to support Gold’s family has already raised more than $26,000 of its $50,000 goal.
“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” reads the fundraiser’s description. “As a community lets [sic] come together and support the Gold family in this difficult time.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or visit 988lifeline.org.