Parents of America's Got Talent cheerleader Emily Gold break silence on her tragic death at 17

The mom and dad of a teenage cheerleader who wowed audiences on America's Got Talent have a 'hole the size of the universe' in their hearts after her apparent suicide on Friday night. 

Emily Gold, 17, was found dead under a bridge on the eastbound 210 Highway in California just weeks after appearing with her high school troupe on the hit TV show.

Dad Steven spoke of the family's grief as he announced her death with a heart-rending post on Instagram.

'With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th, our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,' he wrote.

'The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.'

Millions of viewers had seen her compete as part of the Los Osos High School dance team that reached the quarterfinals of the reality TV competition last month with its high-energy routine.

Judge Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation after the group's appearance at the auditions in May this year, describing them as 'absolutely brilliant'.

The teenager had been posting cheerfully on social media as recently as four weeks ago, but her body was found on the busy highway near her home in in Rancho Cucamonga just before midnight on Friday.

Emily's devastated twin brother Alex paid a tribute of his own to his 'baby sis' on social media with a photo montage of their childhood together.

'The times we spent together won't ever be enough,' he wrote.   

'You were my whole childhood and the memories we made together and all the places we've been and seen together will always stay with me.

'You really broke my heart Em.

'I'll always stay up for you and live life for you.' 

And friends of the dancer spoke of their own memories of her.

'Let it be known that she now rests easy although there were many that loved Emily Gold and even looked up to her,' Samantha Shaw wrote on Facebook.

'She will be remembered none the less by her fellow Grizzlies and by those who loved her with all their heart and soul.

'Emily Gold, thank you for all that you have done in this world. You have done more than enough. Claws up to you Emily. Claws up.'

America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was among those wowed by the group's performance.

'What I loved about this was first of all the energy,' he told his fellow judges. 'I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship. 

'It reminded me of seeing the High School Musical movie and thinking 'every kid should go to a school like that'.'

Several callers alerted California Highway Patrol after seeing Emily on the road just east of Haven Avenue.

A CHP spokesman said that a number of vehicles had struck her body by the time officers arrived, and at least one had failed to stop.

The school broke the news of the senior's death with a message to students on Saturday.

'Emily was on both our Varsity Dance Team and Varsity cheer squad, our thoughts and prayer are with the family as they grieve.' 

'Please keep Emily and her loved ones and friends in your thoughts and prayers,' added Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher in a written statement.

Fellow troupe member Mia Bustamante said Emily would be 'missed beyond words.'

'You brought me the most beautiful form of love I could ask for. My best friend, my forever dance sister,' she wrote on Instagram. 

- If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741