Students and staff at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga are grieving the loss of varsity dance team captain Emily Gold.
Gold, 17, took her own life Friday night, just months after she appeared on America’s Got Talent with her team.
Friends and loved ones described her as beautiful, kind, loving and a leader. The high school senior was also a member of the varsity cheer squad.
In one of her final Instagram posts, Gold wrote that performing on AGT was “the most incredible experience.” She also thanked her high school team for being the best family she could ever ask for.
Rancho Cucamonga police said that Gold was found dead on the eastbound 210 Freeway at Haven Avenue and the investigation is still ongoing.
Los Osos High School is making grief counselors available to students and staff in need of support.
“Emily was a cherished member of the Los Osos High School campus and was beloved by her fellow students and teachers,” the Chaffey Joint Union High School District superintendent said in a statement.
Gold’s death comes during national suicide prevention month. A suicide and crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day to anyone in need of support and can be reached by dialing 988.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Gold’s family pay for funeral expenses.
