The death of American Idol Season 8 contestant Alexis Cohen is being investigated as a vehicular homicide. New Jersey police arrested 23-year-old Daniel Bark on Sunday in connection with Cohen’s death. The body of the former American Idol contestant was found lying in a street in Ocean County on Saturday.
According to police authorities, Alexis Cohen was struck and killed by a car around 4 a.m. on Saturday. An autopsy showed 25-year-old Cohen suffered massive trauma, including injuries to her chest, abdomen and head. Cohen may have been attempting to return to her car, which was found nearby, when she was hit while crossing the street.
Ocean County Deputy Chief Prosecutor Michael Mohel said Daniel Bark was arrested around 6 p.m. on Sunday after an “extensive investigation,” according to the Asbury Park Press. Bark has been charged with reckless driving leading to the death of Alexis Cohen and leaving the scene of a collision. Bark could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.
Alexis Cohen famously gave an impassioned, vulgar rant to American Idol cameras after failing to receive a golden ticket to Hollywood in the auditions for Season 7. The following year, Cohen auditioned again for Season 8, but failed to impress the judges a second time.
The Alexis Cohen rant YouTube video became a fan favorite following her first appearance on American Idol, briefly launching the young aspiring singer into the national spotlight.
Wow, that was fast. I’m glad to hear they may have caught the guy that did this.