A tragic incident unfolded in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where 17-year-old Emily Gold, a talented dancer and high school cheerleader, was found dead in what authorities are treating as an apparent suicide. The discovery was made under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Highway, just before midnight on Friday.
The Daily Mail reported that Gold was a prominent member of the Los Osos High School dance team, which had recently gained national recognition after reaching the quarterfinals of the popular television show "America's Got Talent."
According to reports from the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Emily's death is believed to be a suicide.
Several callers had alerted CHP after spotting her on the roadway east of Haven Avenue, near the location where her body was later found. Tragically, multiple vehicles struck her body, and at least one driver did not stop at the scene.
Emily Gold was well-known in her community, both as a member of the Los Osos High School Varsity cheer squad and as part of the school’s dance team.
The dance team gained national attention after appearing on the popular talent show "America's Got Talent," where they reached the quarterfinals. Emily's energetic performances captured the admiration of both the audience and the show’s judges.
Simon Cowell, one of the judges on the show, praised the dance team during their appearance. "It was absolutely brilliant. What I loved about this was first of all the energy," he remarked. Cowell likened the team's performance to something out of "High School Musical," stating that every kid should have the opportunity to attend a school like Los Osos, which nurtures both talent and friendship.
The news of Emily’s death came as a shock to the Los Osos High School community. On Saturday, the school notified students of the tragedy.
Principal Eric Cypher expressed his deep condolences, stating, "Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve."
In addition to her accomplishments on the dance floor, Emily was cherished by her peers. Fellow student and close friend Mia Bustamante shared a touching tribute: "You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ask for. My best friend, my forever dance sister."
In the wake of Emily's death, her family has been overwhelmed with grief, but the community has rallied to support them.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and other financial burdens. As of the latest update, the campaign has raised nearly half of its $50,000 goal.
Samantha Shaw, one of Emily's friends, posted an emotional tribute on the fundraiser's page. "Let it be known that she now rests easy although there were many that loved Emily Gold and even looked up to her," Shaw wrote. She went on to thank Emily for her impact on the world, saying, "Claws up to you, Emily. Claws up."
As authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Emily's death, questions remain unanswered. The CHP is working to identify the driver who failed to stop after striking her body, while the community grapples with the devastating loss of such a bright and talented young individual.
Emily’s family, friends, and fellow students are left mourning the young life that was cut short. The school's administration urged everyone to keep Emily’s loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time. Principal Cypher emphasized the importance of support, saying, "Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers."
Though Emily is no longer with us, her legacy as a talented dancer and a beloved friend will not be forgotten.
The Los Osos High School dance team and the broader community will remember her not just for her skills on stage, but for the kindness and friendship she brought to those around her.
As Samantha Shaw poignantly expressed, Emily’s impact on her peers was profound. "She will be remembered none the less by her fellow Grizzlies and by those who loved her with all their heart and soul," Shaw said.
