Ariela La Langosta, a prominent influencer from New York and a close associate of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, has passed away at the age of 33, as confirmed by police.
The social media personality had amassed over 560,000 followers on Instagram, known for her fashion and modeling content, while frequently updating her followers on her life.
Ariela gained significant recognition for her role in Tekashi 6ix9ine’s ‘Wapae’ music video released in 2023. The rapper expressed his condolences in a series of Instagram videos, stating, “You supported me in everything,” and adding, “My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.”
Authorities reported finding Ariela deceased in her vehicle on the Cross County Parkway on August 17, with suspected gunshot wounds being the cause.
A statement from the Westchester County Police Department said: “The woman found deceased in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday died as a result of gunshot wounds, the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed today.”
It continued, “Ariela Mejia-Polanco, 33, who has addresses in Westchester and Rockland counties, was found deceased about 8 a.m. behind the wheel of her car on the eastbound Cross County Parkway near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon.”
The statement also mentioned, “Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act.”
“The homicide remains under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit. Assistance has been provided by other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during the ongoing investigation.”
“Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time.”
Tekashi 6ix9ine shared numerous Instagram videos to honor his late friend, stating: “You supported me in everything. My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.”
Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant where Ariela worked, paid tribute to her after the news of her passing, describing her as a ‘shining star.’ They remarked, “Your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out. Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours.”
The statement further expressed, “To Ariela’s family, we are here for anything you need. We still can’t believe it… you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever.”
Additionally, nightclubs in the New York area have expressed their condolences, with Starlets of New York remembering Ariela as ‘a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered’ in a heartfelt Instagram post.