Emily Gold competed on America's Got Talent just months before she was found dead under a bridge at just 17 years old.
The cheerleader was found dead on the eastbound 210 Highway in Rancho Cucamonga, California , on Friday night. Emily had appeared on America's Got Talent as part of the Los Osos High School dance team just four months before she died..
The judges were blown away by the group's performance, with Simon Cowell even describing it as "absolutely brilliant". After the performance, he said: "I think what I just saw is everything a grade school should be doing, which is encouraging talent, friendship."
Simon added: "It reminded me of when I used to watch those High School Musical movies, thinking, 'Everybody should go to a school like that' because it's fun." The Los Osos High School dance team reached the quarterfinals of America's Got Talent in August.
The California Highway Patrol was contacted on Friday night after Emily was seen on the road east of Haven Avenue. A spokesman for CHP revealed that numerous cars hit her body by the time officers showed up and at least one failed to stop.
Police are asking anybody who witnessed what happened to contact their investigator, Officer S. Gonzalez. The San Bernardino Coroner's Office told People Magazine Emily's death is being treated as a suicide.
Los Osos High School announced the news of Emily's death through a message shared to students on Saturday. "Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad, our thoughts and prayer are with the family as they grieve," Principal Eric Cypher said in a statement.
He continued: "Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers." A GoFundMe campaign has been launched following Emily's death and has received more than $34,000 in donations.
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The GoFundMe also has a statement which reads: "As a community lets 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."
Many of Emily’s friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the cheerleader. "Let it be known that she now rests easy although there were many that loved Emily Gold and even looked up to her," Samantha Shaw commented on Facebook.
Samantha added: "She will be remembered none the less 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."
Dance team member Mia Bustamante said that Emily would be "missed beyond words" in a post on Instagram. She added: "You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ask for. My best friend, my forever dance sister."
If in the United States, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to http://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
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