Mirjana Puhar, former America’s Next Top Model contestant, was found dead in Charlotte, N.C., one of the victims of a triple homicide.

Mirjana Puhar Dead At 19

Puhar, 19, her boyfriend Jonathan Alvarado, 32, and Jusmar Gonzaga-Garcia, 21, were found dead on Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Emmanuel Jesus Rangel, 19, has already been arrested and charged with their murders.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Rangel has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and is also facing charges regarding another murder that occurred on Sunday. The killings appear to have been drug related. “Preliminary information indicates that the victims and suspect were known to one another and this incident was drug related,” said CMPD.

Puhar competed on Tyra BanksANTM in Cycle 21 just last year and was eliminated after 10 episodes.

Tyra Banks Releases Statement

ANTM executive producers Banks and Ken Mok issued a statement following Puhar’s death, saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news about Mirjana Puhar. She was a vivacious and promising young woman. Our hearts and prayers go out to her loved ones.”

ANTM Cycle 21 Contestants Remember Mirjana Puhar

Many of Puhar’s fellow ANTM Cycle 21 contestants have taken to social media to remember the model. Friends and competitor, Will Jardell shared a photo of himself with Puhar behind the scenes, writing, “Reality TV may have painted you one way but make no mistake you are an incredible and loving person that the world will truly miss. You are a part of my family and always will be. I pray for your family and friends during this time and I pray that you can rest in peace knowing that your #antm family LOVES you forever and always.”

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Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.

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