Quirky American Idol Star Killed in New Jersey Hit-and-Run

ABOVE: Carrie Underwood and David Cook duet. Cook was the winner of American Idol Season 7, but another contestant created an online buzz thanks to a wild, glittery audition video (below).

A well-known contestant from Season 7 of American Idol died over the weekend after being struck and killed by a car in New Jersey.

25-year-old Alexis Cohen of Allentown, PA, was killed in a hit-and-run accident near the Jersey Shore. The driver, 23-year-old Daniel Bark, reportedly fled the scene, but was later arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, according to Monday’s Daily News report.

Most American Idol fans will remember Season Seven as the year “rocker” David Cook took home Idol’s top prize. However, the season also created a smaller online sensation thanks to a popular video (below) of Cohen’s emotional post-audition rant directed at judge Simon Cowell. In his typical manner, Cowell had offered harsh criticism of Cohen’s performance of Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love.”

Although she is widely remembered for her glittery make-up and goofy persona, Cohen’s sometimes thoughtful Idol interview also revealed that the colorful young performer lived in a studio apartment with her mother and was a student with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian.

Throughout her audition, Cohen encouraged viewers to have faith and follow their dreams.

Cohen returned to audition for American Idol Season 8, singing Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” but received the same lackluster reviews.

If convicted in this hit-and-run, Bark reportedly faces 10 to 15 years in prison.

BELOW: Alexis Cohen’s colorful American Idol audition and interview found fame online. The 25-year-old aspiring singer was killed over the weekend in a hit-and-run accident.