A California school is in shock following the sudden death of a popular student just a month after her dance group wowed the judges on America’s Got Talent.
Emily Gold, 17, was found dead under a bridge in an apparent suicide on the eastbound 210 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga shortly before midnight Friday.
She had been part of the Los Osos high school dance group that made it to the quarterfinals of this year’s AGT with their high-energy routine.
A Gofundme campaign has already raised almost half of its $50,000 goal and devastated friends of the talented dancer have paid tribute to him on social media.
“From the moment I saw her on stage, I knew she had found her calling,” wrote Janet Womack.
Emily Gold was found dead on the eastbound 210 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night, weeks after competing on America’s Got Talent.
The talented dancer’s devastated friends paid tribute to him on social media.
“Time stood still when you watched her dance. She was in her element. It was as if she had been doing it all her life.”
“Let it be known that she is now resting peacefully, although there were many who loved Emily Gold and even admired her,” wrote Samantha Shaw.
‘Still, her fellow Grizzlies and all those who loved her with all their hearts and souls will remember her.
“Emily Gold, thank you for everything you’ve done in this world. You’ve done more than enough. Cheer up, Emily. Cheer up.”
AGT judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation after the group’s spectacular appearance at the auditions in May this year.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” she told the panel. “What I loved most about it was, first of all, the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should do: foster talent and friendship.”
‘It reminded me of when I saw the movie High School Musical and I thought, ‘Every kid should go to a school like that.’
AGT judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation after the group’s spectacular appearance at the auditions in May this year.
The school announced the news of the senior’s death with a message to students on Saturday.
“Emily was on our varsity dance team and our varsity cheerleading squad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve.”
“Please keep Emily, her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher added in a written statement.
‘I am also available if you need to contact me.’
Mia Bustamante, another member of the company, said Emily would be “missed beyond words.”
“You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ever ask for. My best friend, my dance sister forever,” she wrote.
Dailymail.com has contacted the school and the California Highway Patrol for comment.