Police arrested a New Jersey man in connection with Saturday morning’s hit-and-run death of “American Idol” contestant Alexis Cohen. The Asbury Park Journal reports that Daniel Bark, 23, was arrested at 6 p.m. on Sunday for causing Cohen’s death by reckless driving and fleeing the scene.
Cohen, 25, who auditioned for “Idol” in seasons seven and eight, became a fan favorite because of her clashes with Simon Cowell, who referred to her as the “Green Goblin.” She was struck by a car early Saturday morning in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, and found around 5 a.m. by two passersby, who reported the death to 911. She was pronounced dead two hours later at the Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey. Autopsy results showed injuries to her chest, head and abdomin. Her body was found 350 yards away from her car, which was parked in a nearby lot. Police said it was unclear if Cohen was returning to her car when she was struck.
If convicted, Bark could serve 10 to 15 years in jail. He is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on $35,000 bail.