America's Got TalentRemembers Season 19 Contestant Emily Gold as a 'Bright Young Soul' After Her Sudden Death at Age 17

Mar. 15, 2025

America’s Got Talentis paying tribute to season 19 contestant Emily Gold after shedied suddenlyat age 17.

In apost on Facebook, the hit NBC competition show said: “TheAGTFamily sends out our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and team members of Emily Gold. She was a bright young soul and will be deeply missed.”

The tragedy came just weeks after Gold and her high school dance team competed on the NBC talent show and received a standing ovation in the quarterfinals round, before getting eliminated in August.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, 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.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Gold’s dance team issueda statement on Instagramon Sept. 16, remembering their “beautiful, kind and loving” friend and teammate.

Emily Gold.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most human heart,” they wrote in the post. “She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend and sister to her teammates.”

“Our sweet, sweet Emily - we love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express. Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel,” the team added, before writing in the caption, “We thank everyone for the love and support during this time of grief and just ask that you keep the Gold family in your thoughts and prayers. ✨”

Asked how she was juggling being in high school with performing onAGT,she said, “it’s definitely tough to balance it all, but we make it happen.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Gold’s loved ones have since organized aGoFundMepage to raise money for the dancer’s family.

“With great sadness we share our Los Osos Grizzly Emily Gold has passed away,” the fundraiser read. “As a community lets come together and support the Gold family in this difficult time. Please know this money will go directly to the family to support them and help with expenses.”

source: people.com