Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer who competed on the current season of “America’s Got Talent” with her high school dance team, has died after being struck by a vehicle in her hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Officer Rodrigo Jiménez, a public information officer with the California Highway Patrol, confirmed the teen’s death in a statement shared with The Epoch Times via email, noting that officers had responded to a call on Sept. 13 at approximately 11:52 p.
m. regarding a downed pedestrian. “A 17-year-old female of Rancho Cucamonga was struck by at least one vehicle within the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane of eastbound SR-210 freeway,” Jiménez wrote.
“The female succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.” Jiménez said an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. On Sept.
15, Emily’s parents, Steven and Brandy Gold, and her brother, Alex Gold, issued a joint statement on social media, conveying their immense grief over the loss. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” they continued. “Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most humble heart,” the team wrote on Sept.
16. Rachel Muego, the troupe’s dance instructor and choreographer, also expressed her sorrow regarding the loss and shared her appreciation for the influence that Emily had on the team. “Thank yo.