America’s Got Talent contestant Emily Gold has died aged 17.
The high school dancer and cheerleader died by suicide on September 13 at 11.52pm, the San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed to People.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AGT contestant dead weeks after performance.
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She was found dead on a motorway by California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area police officers.
The teenager was a part of the Los Osos High School dance team, who wowed with their performance on America’s Got Talent in August.
The group made it to the quarterfinals and was eliminated last month.
They received a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell who said the performance “was absolutely brilliant”.
“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.
“It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”
After their final performance, Gold spoke with People about the performance.
“When I’m performing, I’m really thinking about all the corrections because we get corrections up until five minutes before we go on stage,” she told the outlet on August 13.
“So to really just think about all those so that we apply them is my biggest priority on stage.”
She said it was “definitely tough to balance” the dancing with her school work.
Following her death, Gold’s community created a GoFundMe page to support her family.
“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the description 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.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.