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 … watch below