America’s Got Talent contestant and high school cheerleader/dancer, Emily Gold has died. She was 17.

The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office confirmed Gold’s death to PEOPLE, she died on September 13 at 11:52 pm.

California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez shared a statement with PEOPLE that said “officers from the California Highway Patrol Rancho Cucamonga area responded to a pedestrian down in the lanes.”

“When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210,”  officer Jimenez said. “The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

According to The Daily Mail, many callers contacted The California Highway Patrol after seeing Emily on the road. A CHP spokesperson said several vehicles struck her body before law enforcement made it to the scene.

The school informed the students of Emily’s death on Saturday in a message to students per The Daily Mail. The message stated, ‘Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad, our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they grieve.’

“Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers,”per Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher.

Just last month, a Southern California teenager captivated the nation as part of the Los Osos High School dance team on America’s Got Talent. The group impressed the judges during the auditions and advanced to the quarterfinals before being eliminated in August.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by America’s Got Talent – AGT (@agt)

Even though the group was eliminated, judge Simon Cowell gave the team’s high-spirited routine a standing ovation.

Cowell said “It was absolutely brilliant.What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship. ”

Cowell added, “It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking every kid should go to a school like that.”

Following the tragic news of her passing, Gold’s loved ones quickly set up a GoFundMe campaign to support 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.”

Rest in Peace.

In times of darkness, it can be difficult to see a way forward, but help is always available. Call or Text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.