Emily Gold, 17, was a bright and talented young woman who won the hearts of audiences with her Los Osos High School dance team on America’s Got Talent.

Her grace, passion, and energy lit up the stage – but now, we are heartbroken to share the tragic news of her passing.

Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer from Los Osos High School and America’s Got Talent contestant, has tragically passed away. On Friday, September 13, Emily was found dead, as confirmed by the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office.

The Southern California teen, who recently competed on AGT with her dance team, died by suicide. California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said officers responded to the scene around 11:52 p.m.

“When officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old female who had been hit by a vehicle in the carpool lane on the eastbound 210 freeway,” Jimenez explained. “She was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Reports suggest that Emily may have jumped from an overpass and landed in the carpool lane in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Although her death is being treated as a suicide, no suicide note was found.

Earlier this year, Emily had captured millions of viewers’ attention with her high school dance team on America’s Got Talent, where the team made it to the quarterfinals.

Judge Simon Cowell was especially impressed by the performance of Emily Gold and her team on *America’s Got Talent*, praising the energy they brought to the stage.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell said during the show.

“What I loved was the energy. What I just saw is everything a great school should be doing – encouraging talent and friendship.”

He added, “It reminded me of watching *High School Musical* and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”

After the performance, Emily spoke with *People* about the care and focus she put into each show.

“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections we get, even up to five minutes before going on stage. Applying those corrections is my biggest priority,” she said.

Following the tragic passing of Emily Gold, the Los Osos High School community is in shock. A fundraiser has been set up to support her family during this difficult time.

“With great sadness, we share that our Los Osos Grizzly, Emily Gold, has passed away,” the fundraiser statement said.

“As a community, let’s come together to support the Gold family. This money will go directly to them to help with expenses.”

Emily’s dance team also paid tribute to her on Instagram:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beautiful, kind, and loving Emily Gold, Senior and Varsity Dance Captain. Emily embodied all of our team values with her strength, commitment, kindness, and compassion. She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend, and sister to her teammates.”