The mother and father of a teenage entertainer who wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent have a “hole the size of the universe” in their hearts following her apparent suicide Friday night.
Emily Gold, 17, was found dead under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Freeway in California, just weeks after appearing with her high school class on the hit television show.
Father Steven spoke of the family’s grief as he announced his death with a heartbreaking post on Instagram.
“It is with immeasurable sadness that we must tell you that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th, our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” she wrote.
“The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.”
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.
Millions of viewers had watched her compete as part of the Los Osos High School dance team that made it to the quarterfinals of the reality show competition last month with its high-energy routine.
Judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation after the group’s appearance at the auditions in May this year, describing them as ‘‘Absolutely brilliant.’
The teenager had been happily posting on social media just four weeks ago, but her body was found on the busy highway near her Rancho Cucamonga home shortly before midnight on Friday.
The dancer’s devastated friends paid tribute to her on social media.
“Let it be known that she is now resting peacefully, although there were many who loved Emily Gold and even admired her,” Samantha Shaw wrote on Facebook.
‘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.”
America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was among those impressed by the group’s performance.
“What I liked most about this was the energy,” she told her fellow judges. “I think what I just saw is everything a great school should do, which is 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.'”
America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation after the group’s audition appearance in May.
Emily was a member of both her school’s varsity dance team and the varsity cheerleading team.
Emily in her last Instagram post four weeks ago
Several people called the California Highway Patrol after seeing Emily on the road. Just east of Haven Avenue.
A CHP spokesman said several vehicles had struck his body when officers arrived and at least one had not stopped.
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.
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 on Instagram.