Emily Gold, a 17-year-old cheerleader from *America’s Got Talent*, has passed away. “It is with such a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beautiful, kind and loving Emily Gold,” her high school dance team wrote via Instagram on September 16. Gold, who was a senior and Varsity Dance Captain at Los Osos High School, was described as a leader and role model by her teammates.
Gold and her team recently appeared on *America’s Got Talent*, making it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated. Judge Simon Cowell gave the team a standing ovation, calling their performance “absolutely brilliant.” He praised the group for their energy and said it reminded him of *High School Musical*.
