Abdul, Seacrest pay tribute to 'Idol' hopeful

Paula Abdul and Ryan Seacrest have paid tribute to American Idol hopeful Alexis Cohen, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident over the weekend.

The 25-year-old was struck by a vehicle at around 4am on Saturday in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. She was later pronounced dead after suffering chest, head and abdominal injuries.

Writing on her Twitter account, Abdul said: "My heart goes out to the family of Alexis Cohen - she showed great courage at Idol and let's all send our prayers to her family now."

Seacrest added on his own Twitter blog: "My thoughts are with the Cohen family. It is such a sad story. She auditioned for the producers for this season and then the terrible news."

Cohen auditioned for the Fox reality show twice and became famous for her outburst against the panel in 2007 when she told Cowell that he was "egotistical".

It is understood that a 23-year-old man has been charged with reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. He is currently being held on a $35,000 (£21,000) bond at a New Jersey prison.