SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Alexis Cohen’s death, the Asbury Park Press reports.
Daniel Bark of Tom’s River, N.J. was taken into custody Sunday at 6 p.m. on charges of causing the former “American Idol” contestant’s death by reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.
Bark is being held at the Ocean County Jail and could face 10 to 15 years in prison, if convicted. His bail was set at $35,000.
The 25-year-old Cohen’s body was discovered lying on a street in Seaside Heights early Saturday. An autopsy later revealed that the “Idol” hopeful had suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries from a collision with a vehicle.
Police found Cohen’s car parked in a lot about 300 yards away from where her body was discovered. It remains unclear whether she was returning to her car when she was struck by Bark’s vehicle.
Cohen first auditioned for “Idol” in August 2007. Her appearance on the show’s seventh season later aired in January 2008, with a video of her angry rant after being rejected quickly going viral.
“I march to the beat of a different drummer,” Cohen said before her audition went south, citing Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Pat Benetar among her influences.
Cohen’s audition was coined as “possessed” by Simon Cowell, with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul also passing on her advancing in the singing competition.
During her exit, Cohen called Cowell “egotistical” and went on a profanity-laced tirade.
The Allentown, Pa. resident also auditioned for the eighth season of the hit Fox reality show, but once again failed to advance. However, her two memorable appearances earned her the nickname “Glitter Girl” from fans of the show.
Also see: Alexis Cohen ‘American Idol’ Season 7 Audition Video
