America’s Got Talent: Season 19 contestant Emily Gold’s cause of death explored

America’s Got Talent season 19 contestant Emily Gold was found dead by California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga officers on Friday, September 13. Officer Rodrigo Jimenez shared that she died after getting hit by a vehicle in the carpool lane.

Emily Gold was part of the Los Osos High School dance team which was a part of season 19 of America's Got Talent. The dance group made it past the live auditions and entered into the quarterfinals. The group performed in the quarterfinal week one of America’s Got Talent season 19, but was eliminated in August.

Despite their loss, their act received a standing ovation from America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell. He called their performance "absolutely brilliant" and complimented the team on their energy.

---

America’s Got Talent contestant Emily Gold’s death is being treated as s*icide

America’s Got Talent season 19 contestant Emily Gold died at the age of 17. According to PEOPLE, the San Bernardino Coroner's Office confirmed that Emily was "found dead by s*icide at 11:52 pm."

California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez shared a statement with PEOPLE about the incident. The officer said that California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga officers responded to a call regarding "pedestrian down in lanes" on the eastbound 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga.

Upon their arrival, the officers found a 17-year-old female who was hit by "at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane of the eastbound 210 freeway." The young dancer was not able to survive her injuries and was declared dead at the scene.

Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez's statement reads:

"Officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes. When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210. The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene."

The police have further asked if anybody was present during the incident or if they have any information regarding the matter to contact their investigator, Officer S. Gonzalez.

---

Los Osos High School informs about Emily Gold’s death

An alumna of Los Osos High School, Samantha Shaw, shared the message that was sent by "Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher to parents and students." Through the message, Principal Eric Cypher informed everyone about their senior student Emily Gold's passing.

"I'm sorry to share tragic news with you regarding a fellow Grizzly. Early this morning, a senior and beloved Grizzly, Emily Gold, has passed away."

The message further shared that the America’s Got Talent contestant was a part of the school's Varsity Dance Team and Varsity Cheer squad.

"Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity Cheer squad, our thoughts and prayer are with the family as they grieve."

Principal Cypher added that they had set up counselors and therapists for students and faculty who needed support and wished to talk about the incident.

"Our counselors, peer counselors, and district therapists will be available in our Wellness Center, D118, on Monday to speak with anyone who might need support. Thank you for reading this difficult message and please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers. I'm also available if you need to reach out to me."

A GoFundMe was set up by a community member on behalf of Emily's family. Titled "Community Support for the Gold Family's Loss," the page description read that this was one of the ways as a community to "support the Gold family in this difficult time."

The description informed that money collected by the initiative would "go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses."