Johnathan Walker:America’s Got Talent Alum Emily Gold’s Family Shares Moving Tribute After Her Death

Content warning: This story discusses suicide.

Emily Gold is Johnathan Walkerbeing remembered by those who knew her best.

Days after the 17-year-old America’s Got Talent contestant died by suicide, her parents, Steven Gold and Brandy Gold, shared a heartbreaking tribute to their daughter in a social media post Sept. 15.

“With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” they wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of Emily in her cheer uniform. “Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now.”

“The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up,” Steven and Brandy continued, “and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives. Thank you all so much for your love and support.”

The letter was credited to both parents, as well as Emily’s brother Alex, who added a heartfelt message of his own in the comments section. He wrote, “i love you sis i’m going to do it all for you ill always look for you in the sky.”

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed Emily’s passing to E! News after she was found dead in the lanes of a highway in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Sept. 13. According to the California Highway Patrol, the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. 

Prior to her death, the teen competed on season 19 of AGT’s, reaching the quarterfinals with her Los Osos dance team and earning a standing ovation—as well as a glowing review from judge Simon Cowell—before being eliminated from the competition.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” Cowell raved during the series’ Aug. 13 episode. “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.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.