High School dancer and cheerleader, Emily Gold, who was once a contestant on “America’s Got Talent” died on Sept. 13, 2024, by suicide. She was only 17-years-old. Young people ending their lives by their own hand has become far too common in our day and age. A lot of this has to do with the pressures of social media and the bullying that can take place in such mediums that then carries over to real life in the halls at school. And, of course, there’s depression, which still carries a stigma with it that causes many who suffer from it to not want to open up about their struggle.
“The Los Osos High School student and reality show contestant was found dead under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, California, at 11:52 pm. Law enforcement sources said it is believed Gold jumped from an overpass and landed on the freeway below, according to TMZ. The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed Gold’s death, according to People,” The Daily Caller reported.
I can’t imagine the kind of pain and suffering this poor young lady was enduring inside to feel like ending her life in such a gruesome way was far better than living another day. Parents need to be aware of what’s going on with their children and be educated on the warning signs of depression. Some people are good at masking it — hiding it and putting on a happy face — while others show obvious signs.
The California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said that “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in lanes,” according to People. “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,” Jimenez said. “The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Initial reports indicate The California Highway Patrol received 911 calls about a pedestrian that had been hit in the carpool lane, and they were able to confirm that at least one vehicle ran over Gold, when they arrived on-scene, according to TMZ. The vehicle did not stop, and it’s unclear if the driver was even aware that he had hit an individual, according to TMZ.
No suicide note was found at the scene of Gold’s death or on her person.
Gold impressed the crowd during her performance with the Los Osos High School dance team on an episode of “America’s Got Talent” back in May of this year, earning a standing ovation from Simon Cowell. The group got all the way to the quarter finals but were eliminated in August.