SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — Former “American Idol” contestant Alexis Cohen was killed early Saturday morning in New Jersey by an apparent hit-and-run driver, the Asbury Park Press reports. She was 25.
A vehicle passing by noticed Cohen’s body lying at the edge of Dupont Avenue near Bay Boulevard in Seaside Heights around 5 a.m. The aspiring singer was transported to Community Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead a short while later, authorities told the paper.
An autopsy later revealed that Cohen 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.
No arrests have been made yet in Cohen’s death.
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
