Family of teen cheerleader from ‘America’s Got Talent’ speaks out after her suicide: ‘Hole the size of the universe’
The heartbroken parents of a teenage cheerleader who committed suicide just weeks after a spectacular appearance on “America’s Got Talent” spoke out Sunday — saying their beloved daughter’s death has left a “hole the size of the universe” in their hearts.
Emily Gold, a 17-year-old from California, jumped to her death from an overpass in Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night in what the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office has said was a suicide, according to US Magazine.
Two days later, her parents took to Instagram to announce her death — and share their unfathomable grief with the world.
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The body of Emily Gold, 17, was found just before midnight Friday under an overpass. Instagram / Brandy Gold
“Dear friends. With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” bereaved parents Steven and Brandy Gold wrote in the Sunday post.
“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.”
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“Thank you all so much for your love and support.”
Emily’s brother, Alex, also signed the post — and left his own sorrowful note in the comment section.
“I love you sis i’m going to do it all for you ill always look for you in the sky,” he wrote, ending the post with a pair of yellow hearts.
Emily’s death came just a month after her Los Osos High School dance troupe performed at the quarterfinals of NBC’s reality competition show “America’s Got Talent.”
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Gold with her family. Instagram / Steven A. Gold
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Gold had recently appeared with her school dance team on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Instagram / Em
Gold and her teammates wowed judges — including Simon Cowell, the notoriously dour celebrity who gave them a rare standing ovation after their audition performance in May.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell, 64, said at the time. “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.”
The high-energy troupe was eliminated during the show’s August quarterfinals.
Cowell, however, remained impressed.
“I don’t know anything about dance,” he said. “However, that to me was an event.”
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Her parents’ heartbreaking Instagram post lamenting her death. Instagram / Brandy Gold
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The team impressed notoriously dour judge Simon Cowell during each appearance.
The teen dancer seemed thankful regardless of the elimination — writing in one of her final Instagram posts that performing on the show was “the most incredible experience,” according to Pennlive.
On Friday night, the California Highway Patrol got a call that a teenager was wandering through traffic in Rancho Cucamonga, which is near Los Angeles.
But the cops were too late, the US Sun reported.
By the time they arrived, Emily’s body lay beneath the overpass.
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Gold and her teammates wowed judges who gave them a rare standing ovation after their audition performance in May. Instagram / Em
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A tribute posted to Instagram by Emily’s brother. Instagram / Alex Gold
Authorities think she was hit at least once, but the driver was nowhere to be found, the outlet said.
The Los Osos High School Varsity Dance Team put out a statement Monday that lamented their “beautiful, kind and loving” captain’s passing, US Weekly said.
“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.
“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,” they said. “Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
