The Los Osos High School community mourns the loss of classmate Emily Gold and remembers her as a beloved classmate who performed with her dance team on “America’s Got Talent” this summer.
According to the San Bernardino County Coroner, the 17-year-old died on Friday, September 13, on the 210 Freeway near the Haven Avenue overpass in Rancho Cucamonga. She committed suicide, the coroner reported.
On Tuesday, September 17, a makeshift memorial was set up on the Haven Overpass, where mourners left photos, balloons, candles, flowers and other mementos in Gold’s honor.
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Her father, Steven A. Gold, an assistant professor at Western University of Health Sciences, shared the family’s grief on social media.
“It is with immense sadness that we share with you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” Steven Gold wrote on Instagram. “There is a hole in our hearts the size of the universe right now.”
“The love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives this angel has touched and lifted up, and that will help us through the most difficult time of our lives,” he continued. “Thank you all for your love and support.”
Emily Gold, a senior at Los Osos, was named dance captain of the school team in August, according to the team’s social media page, and was part of the dance team that auditioned on “America’s Got Talent” in May.
In a message posted on Instagram from the Los Osos Varsity Dance, the team expressed their condolences, saying, “Our sweet, sweet Emily, we love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express. Everything we do, we do for you, our beautiful angel.”
Community members attended vigils in Gold’s honor on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Gold will also be honored at the Grizzlies’ football game on Thursday. Students are asked to dress in gold for a “Gold Game” in honor of their classmate, and a moment of silence in her memory is planned during the game, according to Chaffey Joint Union High School District officials.
In a statement, Superintendent Mat Holton said the school district was heartbroken by Gold’s death.
“Emily was a valued member of the Los Osos High School campus and was loved by her classmates and teachers,” Holton said.
“The district and school are making on-site grief counselors and therapists available to any student who needs support during this difficult time,” he added. “We extend our deepest condolences to Emily’s family and loved ones.”
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help her family pay for the arrangements.
Gold’s death occurred during National Suicide Prevention Month, which aims to raise awareness about suicide and the resources available to combat it.
The Behavioral Health District’s Office of Suicide Prevention is hosting a month-long series of free trainings for the community, the district announced in a press release earlier this month. The three-hour training, called SafeTALK, teaches participants how to recognize and support a person who is having suicidal thoughts. The next training will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Flipside Church in Rancho Cucamonga. Information about the training and how to register can be found on the Office of Suicide Prevention’s website.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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