Gina Heslop
Emily Gold, a 17-year-old cheerleader from Los Osos High School, was found dead on September 13, 2024, in what authorities believe was a tragic suicide.
Just a month earlier, Emily had led her school’s cheerleading squad to the quarterfinals of the popular show America’s Got Talent (AGT). Her sudden death has shocked many, especially those who watched her perform on the national stage.
On that fateful Friday night, the California Highway Patrol was called after receiving reports about a teenager walking dangerously in traffic near Rancho Cucamonga, just outside Los Angeles. Emily’s body was found under an overpass.
While the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that her death was a suicide, it is also suspected that she may have been hit by at least one vehicle in the carpool lane of the eastbound 210 freeway.
Police officers investigating the case noted that the driver involved had not come forward, and they may face legal consequences if identified. The case is still under investigation, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Officer S. Gonzalez.
Emily had become well-known due to her appearance on America’s Got Talent, where she and her cheerleading squad from Los Osos High School impressed the judges, especially Simon Cowell. On August 13, their quarterfinal performance earned them high praise from Cowell, who commended the team’s energy and the way they represented their school.
Despite the positive feedback, the team was eliminated from the competition that night. After the show, Emily had spoken about how tough it was to balance high school life with the pressures of competing on AGT, but she assured fans that they made it work.
In the aftermath of her death, the local community has come together to support her grieving family. A GoFundMe page was set up by friends of the Gold family to help them through this difficult time. The initial goal of $50,000 has seen tremendous support, with nearly $26,000 raised in just two days through
over 330 donations. The organizer expressed gratitude for the donations and prayers, updating supporters that the Gold family was aware of the page and appreciative of the help.
Many people who knew Emily, including former friends and gymnastics teammates, left touching messages on the GoFundMe page, offering love and prayers for her family.
One donor shared memories of spending long days at gymnastics practices with Emily and taking trips to Las Vegas, expressing deep sorrow over her loss. Emily’s cheerleading team also released a statement to honor their late captain.
Describing her as “beautiful, kind, and loving,” the team emphasized how she represented their core values of strength, kindness, and commitment. They remembered her as a leader, role model, and friend stating that words couldn’t tully express how much she would be missed.
