High School Dancer and ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant Emily Gold Dies at 17

America's Got Talent Live! The All Stars Tour logo captured on the big screen onstage during opening night in Salina, Kan., on Oct. 6, 2015. Fernando Leon/Getty Images for Faculty Productions

Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer who competed on the current season of “America’s Got Talent” with her high school dance team, has died after being struck by a vehicle in her hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Officer Rodrigo Jiménez, a public information officer with the California Highway Patrol, confirmed the teen’s death in a statement shared with The Epoch Times via email, noting that officers had responded to a call on Sept. 13 at approximately 11:52 p.m. regarding a downed pedestrian.

“A 17-year-old female of Rancho Cucamonga was struck by at least one vehicle within the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane of eastbound SR-210 freeway,” Jiménez wrote. “The female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Jiménez said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

On Sept. 15, Emily’s parents, Steven and Brandy Gold, and her brother, Alex Gold, issued a joint statement on social media, conveying their immense grief over the loss.

“With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily,” they wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the teen in her cheer uniform.

“Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” they continued.

“The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”

‘You Lit Up Our Lives’

Emily served as varsity dance captain for the Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team, a role she garnered in late August, less than a month before her death.

The dance group penned a touching tribute on Instagram, highlighting Emily’s beauty, kindness, and loving nature.

“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most humble heart,” the team wrote on Sept. 16.

“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.”

Rachel Muego, the troupe’s dance instructor and choreographer, also expressed her sorrow regarding the loss and shared her appreciation for the influence that Emily had on the team.

“Thank you Em for believing and supporting this team since day 1. You put your heart and soul into everything we did , [sic] big or small, and valued this team no matter what,” she wrote in part.

“Thank you for being the outstanding captain I always knew you’d be. Thank you for leading every team prayer and helping inspire my journey with God,” Muego continued.

“All I keep hearing in my head is your voice, seeing your beautiful smile, hearing your laugh and all of the positive words you’d bring to us daily. You lit up all of our lives and I know you’re going to keep doing just that, shining for us and being that peace and hope that we all need.”

‘America’s Got Talent’

Earlier this year, the Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team, which consisted of 52 high school students, announced on Instagram that it had tried out for season 19 of NBC’s popular talent competition series.

The audition was showcased during the season premiere of “America’s Got Talent,” which aired on May 28.

“We couldn’t be happier seeing our grizzlies on TV,” the varsity dance team shared on Instagram.

“Congratulations to our team for OPENING the Season Premiere of @agt @agtauditions !!!!!!!! No words can describe how we’re feeling right now. Thank you friends and family for all of the love and support!!!”

The team later performed in the competition show’s live quarterfinals aired on Aug. 13. Despite not making it to the semi-finals, Muego said the team’s time on the show was an “incredible experience.”

“We’re sad that this chapter has ended mainly because of the bond we built with this team and how amazing the crew was at @agt but forever grateful for the lessons we learned and the memories we made!!!” she wrote in an Instagram post.

“To our members that danced with us for the very last time—I’ve enjoyed watching you grow into such kind, strong, hard working individuals. You constantly inspire me! I can’t wait to see where life continues to take you. Love you always!”