Mirjana Puhar: Tyra Banks 'Deeply Saddened' by Death of 'ANTM' Contestant

Mirjana Puhar, 19, was found dead along with two others.

ByABC News
February 26, 2015, 2:39 PM

— -- Tyra Banks, the executive producer of "America's Next Top Model," expressed her deep sorrow over the death of one of the show's contestants, Mirjana Puhar.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news about Mirjana Puhar," Banks and fellow executive producer Ken Mok wrote in a statement to ABC News. "She was a vivacious and promising young woman. Our hearts and prayers go out to her loved ones."

Puhar, 19, was found dead, along with Jonathan Cosme Alvarado and Jusmar Isiah Gonzaga-Garcia, Tuesday in a home in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Police have not said how or when the three were killed, but have arrested and charged 19-year-old Emmanuel Rangel in the killings, according to The Charlotte Observer. Rangel remains in custody and has not yet appeared in court to enter a plea.

Puhar appeared on the 21st cycle of "America's Next Top Model," which premiered in August. At the time of filming, she was 18 and introduced as the youngest of the show's 14 contestants.

She was eliminated in the 10th episode of the season.

As word spread of Puhar's death, people connected with "ANTP" responded on social media.

Judge Miss J Alexander took to Twitter to mourn:

Fellow contestant Will Jardell posted several remembrances on his Instagram, including a photo with Puhar. "You are one of the kindest most passionate people I know and I am at a loss knowing that you are gone," Jardell wrote. "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."

Jardell also posted a video of Puhar.