American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen found dead

Cohen, who auditioned for Idol's seventh and eighth seasons, died at age 25 from injuries she sustained in the hit-and-run accident on July 25 in New Jersey.

Tragic end of a singer
As widely reported, Cohen was found dead Saturday morning at around 4 a.m. on a street in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The Idol contestant, famous for one of the show's most memorable rejection meltdowns, was struck and killed by a car in what authorities believe an apparent homicide.

Her car was found parked in a lot approximately 300 yards from her body, which the authorities believe is a highly suspicious situation.

The native of Allentown, Pa. was found unresponsive on a street two passersby who allegedly called the police. The Ocean County prosecutors office believes Cohen was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.

According to Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Cohen's death has been ruled a homicide, adding that she suffered “chest and abdominal injuries, along with a closed head injury secondary to a motor vehicle collision".

Mohel said medics took Cohen to Community Medical Center in Tom's River, where she was pronounced dead at 6:35 a.m. "There was evidence that her body was impacted by a vehicle," he said.

Cohen’s post-rejection rant
Cohen shot to fame with her colorful behavior, including repeated rude gestures directed at the judges, in early episodes of the wildly popular American Idol's seventh and eighth seasons. She auditioned for the FOX singing competition in August 2007 and again in 2008.

She famously launched a foul-mouthed tirade against judge Simon Cowell after her unsuccessful Idol audition in season seven. She performed Jefferson Airplane’s 'Want Somebody to Love', but judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were not impressed. After getting rough reviews for her performance Cohen went on an emotional rant where she called judge Cowell a "big fat bad word." She also unleashed a tirade replete with expletives and middle fingers.

"I don't think this is the route for you, sweetheart," Cowell told Cohen after her performance.

The singer, also known as Glitter Girl for wearing heavy glittery eye makeup, initially handled the rejection gracefully but launched into a profanity-laced tirade against Cowell after coming out of the tryout room.

"Simon is a big fat bad word," she said, then continued speaking as censors bleeped words.

Cohen’s rant drew national media attention, earning her an interview with Howard Stern and appearances on TV shows like "Live with Regis and Kelly," "The View" and "Extra."

Cohen also attempted to audition for the show's eighth season, but this time too was turned away by the judges.

Her funeral is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 a.m. at Knopp Funeral Home in Allentown, Pa.

Meanwhile, reports are rampant that an arrest has been made in connection with the death of American Idol contestant. A report from APP.com claims that police have arrested a 23-year-old Toms River man on suspicion of causing death by reckless driving and then leaving the scene of the collision.