**This Week’s Celebrity News: Heartbreaks and Controversies**
This week, we heard some very sad news. A contestant from “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) tragically passed away at just 17 years old.
In other news, Taylor Swift faced heavy criticism for a “trashy” outfit she wore to an NFL game.
We also learned about the chilling last words of the Titan Submersible crew before they lost contact, which gave us all a scare.
Additionally, a ballerina from “Dancing with the Stars” died at only 29, and Michael Jackson’s brother has passed away as well.
On a lighter note, Jennifer Aniston’s dress at the 2024 Emmy Awards sparked a lot of reactions from fans and critics alike.
Let’s dive into these unforgettable stories from this week.
**Emily Gold’s Heartbreaking Passing**
Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer from Los Osos High School, was a recent contestant on “America’s Got Talent.” Sadly, she passed away just weeks after her stunning performance on the show. Fans and friends are mourning the loss of such a young talent.
Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and others making headlines this week.
**Tragic Details Surrounding Emily Gold’s Death**
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Emily Gold passed away by suicide on the night of September 13. She was found along the eastbound 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, California, at 11:52 p.m.
According to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian in the carpool lane.
“When the officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old female who had been struck by at least one vehicle,” Jimenez stated. “Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”
This tragic news has left her family, friends, and fans in deep mourning.
The officer’s statement gave a heartbreaking account of that night, leaving many with more questions than answers. Emily Gold’s last weeks had been filled with excitement as she performed on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) with her dance team from Los Osos High School.
The Southern California group amazed audiences with their high-energy routine, making it all the way to the show’s quarterfinals. This achievement was a highlight in Emily’s young life, making her untimely passing even more tragic for her family, friends, and fans.
Even though Emily and her team were eliminated in August, their performance left a lasting mark on both the audience and the judges. Simon Cowell, known for being a tough critic, even gave them a standing ovation for their incredible act.
Fans of “America’s Got Talent” have turned to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to the talented young dancer. Many have expressed their shock and sadness at the loss, remembering her as a bright star with so much potential.
Many are heartbroken by Emily’s sudden loss, with several people expressing disbelief that someone so vibrant and full of life could be gone so soon. One commenter wrote, “She looks so happy outside and probably dealt with so much inside. RIP angel.”
Others shared similar feelings, posting tributes like “Rest in Peace, little angel. Sending prayers to her family” and “So sad, so young and gone too soon.” These heartfelt messages flooded online spaces, showing just how much she touched the lives of those around her.
Remembering the Stars Who Have Died Since Appearing on ‘Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew’
Since the VH1 reality show’s 2008 debut, twelve of its alumni have passed away.
Celebrity Rehab was founded by Dr. Drew Pinsky to counter the tabloids’ depiction of addiction, according to a 2009 New York Times article on the set of the show. Pinsky, 65, was first opposed to the concept of receiving treatment on television. Following the premiere of the first season of the show, the addiction medicine expert told PEOPLE about his friend, counselor Bob Forrest, who persuaded him to get treatment: “He said, ‘I am so tired of people talking about rehab who have no idea what they’re talking about.’” They are unaware of the struggles and addictions that celebrities face.
The VH1 series, which ran from 2008 to 2011, featured a number of celebrities addressing their substance misuse problems in the Pasadena Recovery Center in California with Pinsky. Celebrity Rehab featured prominent artists, actresses, sports, TV celebrities, models, and more throughout the course of five seasons. Regretfully, following their performances on the reality show, twelve celebrities have passed away. Let’s examine their lives in more detail and how they openly discussed their difficulties in an effort to assist others.
If substance misuse is a problem for you or someone you know, please call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. Please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org if you or someone you know is thinking about taking their own life.
Dim-witted Shellshock
It’s funny how life tricks us, isn’t it? The frontman of Crazy Town, who was well-known for being insane both on stage and, regrettably, off, died in June 2024 at the age of 49. Shifty went in and out of dangerous circumstances during his career, including comas and DUI accusations. It was heartbreakingly obvious how much cocaine and medications affected him. “If I kept at it, I was going to die,” he once said to PEOPLE. My goal is to remain sober.
Tom Sizemore
On March 3, 2023, Tom Sizemore, the guy whose Golden Globe-nominated performances could have you riveted to the screen, passed away. His struggle with drug usage was more tragic than amusing. Paul, his brother, said, “He was bigger than life.” More than anyone I know, he has impacted my life. I am heartbroken by his passing and will always mourn him.
Frankie Lons
Every child’s worst dread is to watch their own mother battle addiction before giving in to it. Frankie Lons, the mother of Keyshia Cole, had a turbulent life. What a horrible irony it was that she died on her own birthday. The emotional Instagram post from Elite Noel, her daughter, stated it all: “My mother in a body bag on her birthday is the worst anguish I have ever experienced! My heart ached so much.
Kitaen Tawny
At the age of 59, actress and ’80s star Tawny Kitaen passed away quietly at her Newport Beach home. Her children Wynter and Raine verified their grief with a statement, “You gave her life every day,” following her diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. We love and miss her, and we are aware that her legacy will endure forever.
McKibbin, Nikki
Do you recall Nikki McKibbin from the inaugural season of American Idol? She was generous enough to give her organs before she went away at the age of 42 from a brain aneurysm. Craig, her spouse, put it poetically: “Even in the end, she is still giving.” An appropriate homage to a giving person.
Jason Davis
At the age of 35, the voice actor that embodied a character in Disney’s Recess passed away from fentanyl overdose. His mother remembered him as a season 4 participant who “had a true heart of gold with such a zest for life.”
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Chyna
On April 17, 2016, Chyna, a formidable WWE performer, passed away. The mixture of drugs in her system was the accidental offender. Her life served as an example of publicly facing one’s inner problems while clinging to hope.
Mindy McCready
On February 17, 2013, Mindy McCready, a country music vocalist with a beautiful voice, suddenly passed away. She dealt with alcohol and opioid addictions on the show, and her end was clouded in sadness following the suicide of her boyfriend. A terrible domino effect.
Joey Kovar
Joey Kovar, a reality star from The Real World: Hollywood, passed away suddenly at the age of 29. A life that appeared to be headed toward happiness was ended by opioid abuse. With regret, his brother remarked, “He had turned into such a happy person.” I’m still not really clear what transpired.
Rodney King
On June 17, 2012, the civil rights activist passed away at the age of 47. King’s stress from the vicious assault he suffered in 1991 at the hands of LAPD cops drove him to battle substance usage. Alcohol, marijuana, PCP, and cocaine all had a nasty part in his death; he was discovered drowning in his swimming pool.
Jeff Conaway
The well-known face of Grease actor Jeff Conaway concealed personal troubles. On May 27, 2011, the man who lighted up Broadway and little theaters alike passed away. He battled his addictions all the way to the end, but his job and the people in his life gave him comfort.
Mike Starr
To wrap up this solemn homage, on March 8, 2011, Alice in Chains’ Mike Starr overdosed on prescription drugs. Friends, family, and fans came together for an open memorial service in Seattle to honor a life that inspires people via music.
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