Members of the "America's Next Top Model" world are mourning the death of former contestant Mirjana Puhar, who was found dead in a Charlotte, N.C., apartment on Tuesday.
Tyra Banks, the executive producer of the series, and fellow executive producer Ken Mok released a statement Wednesday expressing their deep sorrow over Puhar's death.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news about Mirjana Puhar," the statement read. "She was a vivacious and promising young woman. Our hearts and prayers go out to her loved ones."
The 19-year-old aspiring model, who competed on cycle 21 of the reality competition series, was one of three victims who was shot and killed inside her boyfriend's home. Other victims included Puhar's boyfriend, Jonathan Alvarado, 23, and his 21-year-old roommate Jusmar Gonzaga-Garcia.
Emmanuel Jesus Rangel, 19, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, along with being charged with another murder, which occurred in Matthews, N.C. on Sunday.
Puhar was eliminated in the 10th episode of the season. Fans and members of "America's Next Top Model" took to social media to mourn Puhar's death. Miss J Alexander, who returned to the series as a judge last season, tweeted, "Saddened to learn about #ANTM Cycle 21 contestant Mirjana Puhar's murder. Remembering her fondly. RIP."
Cycle seven winner CariDee English also issued the following statement, which read, "I am deeply saddened by the news of our ANTM girl, Mirjana Puhar, being killed. Not only was she just starting her life, she left in such a violent way. I send love and healing to her family. To her fans and the public, because she was on ANTM, she was able to touch lives with her story. Please keep her beauty and personality in your hearts by remembering to celebrate her as a young woman who had the courage to chase her dreams for a better life."
Finalist Adam Smith tweeted, "RIP Mirjana, we love you. Such an unbelievably tragic day. #ANTMfamily."
"Everyone please keep Mirjana and her family in your thoughts and prayers," Smith wrote on Instagram. "We love you dearly, and you will live on in our memories. Our cast lost a family member today. I still cannot comprehend that you are no longer with us, I can vividly see you laughing and hear your voice as if it were yesterday. #RIPMirjana #ANTMfamily."
