Ex-'Idol' contestant struck, killed by car in NJ

[samanthajane13]

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. – Authorities say a 25-year-old former two-time "American Idol" contestant has been struck and killed by a car in a New Jersey shore town.

The Asbury Park Press reports that Alexis Cohen, of Allentown, Pa., was killed early Saturday in Seaside Heights.

Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office says an autopsy indicated she suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries. Mohel says investigators are seeking more information about the collision.

Cohen auditioned in Philadelphia for the popular Fox singing competition in August 2007, and the episode was aired in January 2008. She tried out again during the show's eighth season.

A video of her angry rant after being rejected by judges went viral on the Internet.

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Information from: Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090726/ap_en_mu/us_american_idol_contestant_death

[samanthajane13]

NJ man charged in 'American Idol' contestant death

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A man has been charged with drunken driving following a New Jersey shore car accident that killed an "American Idol" contestant whose angry rejection rant became an Internet sensation.

Daniel Bark appeared Monday in state Superior Court on charges of reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Prosecutors say the charges have been upgraded to aggravated manslaughter and drunken driving.

Defense attorney David Glassman says Bark and his family are distraught over the death of former "Idol" singer Alexis Cohen.

Cohen was struck by a vehicle Saturday in the tiny shore town Seaside Heights. The 24-year-old Allentown, Pa., resident is best known for the Internet viral video of her tirade after being rejected by judges during the top-rated Fox show's seventh season.

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Information from: Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com