The tragic passing of Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer who captivated audiences on “America’s Got Talent,” has cast a somber light on the critical issue of teen mental health. Gold, a senior and varsity dance captain at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, died by suicide on September 14, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Office.
Gold gained national recognition when she performed on the “America’s Got Talent” stage in August with the Los Osos High School dance team during the quarterfinals. Her vibrant performances and dedication to dance left a lasting impression.
Image: Los Osos High School Dance Team members at “America’s Got Talent” Season 19 Quarterfinals Red Carpet, highlighting Emily Gold’s participation in the show shortly before her death.
Following the heartbreaking news, the Los Osos High School dance team shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering Gold as an inspiring “leader, role model, friend, and sister.” The Chaffey Joint Union High School District also released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of “cherished member” Emily Gold. Superintendent Mat Holton, Ed.D., emphasized the profound impact Gold had on her school community, noting, “Emily was a cherished member of the Los Osos High School campus and was beloved by her fellow students and teachers.” The district has provided grief counselors and therapists to support students during this difficult time.
The devastating news of this young “Agt Dancer Dies” has resonated deeply, sparking vital conversations across social media platforms about the often-silent struggles of mental health among teenagers. Online tributes paint a picture of a bright and beloved young woman. One commenter on the dance team’s Instagram post poignantly wrote, “We just never know what someone is going through or struggling with.” Another student expressed the widespread grief, stating, “I didnt (sic) even know her but just going to the same school just hits me so hard and i feel the grief too.” A parent’s comment further emphasized the shock and sadness, describing Emily as “always happy with the biggest smile and laugh. A girl that everyone loved. She was so well liked by everyone.”
Teen Suicide Rates and the Growing Mental Health Crisis
Emily Gold’s tragic death underscores a concerning national trend. Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third leading cause for those aged 15-24, according to the National Institute on Mental Health. Recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, have seen an intensification of this crisis.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy issued a warning in 2021 about the escalating mental health challenges faced by young people. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further illustrates this alarming trend. A 2023 CDC report revealed a significant surge in suicidal thoughts among high school female students, jumping from 24% in 2019 to 30% in 2021.
Several factors are recognized as increasing the risk of suicide, including a history of mental illness like depression, experiences of bullying, relationship losses, and social isolation, as identified by the CDC.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Teen Mental Health
Mental health experts emphasize the crucial role of open communication and proactive support from parents and caregivers. Dr. Tami Benton, psychiatrist-in-chief at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, highlights the importance of parental engagement: “Despite the fact that people say teenagers don’t want to talk to their parents, they actually do… they want to know that their parents are interested and concerned.”
Having age-appropriate conversations about suicide is also important and not inherently harmful. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provides resources and guides for parents on how to approach these sensitive conversations with children of different ages.
Recognizing changes in behavior is another vital step. The AFSP advises parents to trust their instincts and seek professional help if they observe concerning shifts in their child’s demeanor. These changes can manifest as aggression, fatigue, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, altered sleep patterns, or expressions of hopelessness.
Experts recommend various resources for parents seeking guidance, including pediatricians, school counselors, and mental health professionals. Robin Gurwitch, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, advises, “You know your child better than anybody else, so if you see a change in their behaviors and their functioning… talk to somebody to see, ‘Should I be concerned?'”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, substance use, or other mental health crises, please reach out for help. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, available 24/7. You can also find support online at 988lifeline.org or by dialing the previous toll-free number 800-273-8255 (TALK).
