Parents of “America's Got Talent” cheerleader Emily Gold break their silence about her tragic death at 17

The mother and father of a teenage cheerleader who wowed audiences on “America's Got Talent” have a “hole as big as the universe” in their hearts following her apparent suicide on Friday night.

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

Father Steven expressed the family's sadness when he announced her death in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

“It is with immense sadness that we inform you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th. There is a hole in our hearts the size of the universe right now,” he wrote.

“The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives this angel has touched and lifted, and that will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.”

Devastated friends of the talented dancer have expressed their condolences on social media.

Millions of viewers had seen her compete as part of the Los Osos High School dance team, whose high-energy routine took them to the quarterfinals of the reality TV competition last month.

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

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

Emily's devastated twin brother Alex paid tribute to his “little sister” on social media with a photo montage of their childhood together.

“The time we spent together will never be enough,” he wrote.

“You were my whole childhood and the memories we made together and all the places we went and saw together will stay with me forever.”

“You really broke my heart, Em.

“I will always stay awake 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 in peace, although there were many who loved Emily Gold and even looked up to her,” Samantha Shaw wrote on Facebook.

“Her Grizzlies teammates and all who loved her with all their heart and soul will still remember her.”

“Emily Gold, thank you for everything you've done in this world. You've done more than enough. Claws up, Emily. Claws up.”

Simon Cowell, a judge on “America's Got Talent,” was also impressed by the group's performance.

“What I liked most about it was the energy,” he told his fellow judges. “I think what I just saw is everything a great school should do, which is to encourage talent and friendship.”

“It reminded me of watching the movie High School Musical and thinking, 'Every kid should go to a school like that.'”

Parents Brandy and Steven Gold said they had a “hole the size of the universe” in their hearts following the sudden death of their daughter on Friday night

Emily's twin brother Alex paid a touching tribute to his “little sister”

Emily in her last Instagram post four weeks ago

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

A CHP spokesman said that by the time police arrived, her body had already been hit by several vehicles and at least one did not stop.

The school announced the news of the senior's death to students in a statement on Saturday.

“Emily was on both our varsity dance team and our varsity cheerleading team. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family.”

“Please keep Emily, her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” Los Osos High School Principal Eric Cypher added in a written statement.

Her troop colleague Mia Bustamante said Emily will be “missed beyond words.”

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

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