Social media star Ariela La Langosta, who starred in rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine’s “Wapae” music video in 2023, has died at age 33.
The New York-based influencer’s death was confirmed by the Westchester County Police Department in New York, who said the model — real name Ariela Mejia-Polanco — was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway Aug. 17.
Following a preliminary investigation, police determined that Ariela died of gunshot wounds and was “likely targeted for violence,” according to a statement shared on Facebook.
“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,” police said in a statement.
“Her death was not a random act,” police said. “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 in the continuing investigation.”
“Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time,” the statement concluded.
The social media star boasted more than 566,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly shared fashion and modeling content.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine who rushed to social media Sunday night to pay his respects to his longtime friend.
In a series of videos shared on his Instagram Story, the “Mala” rapper called the Dominican content creator a “tremendous woman” and the “queen of New York.”
“You supported me in everything,” he wrote in his tribute, which was accompanied by a snippet of their favorite track, Aventura’s early 2000s hit “Obsesión.”
“My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you,” he added.
The rapper later shared more videos of the model, writing in Spanish, “Yo te ami” and “Mi nogra,” which translates to “I love you” and “My wife.”
Ariela’s workplace, Ikon New York in Inwood, took to social media to pay their respects.
“Today we lost our shining star,” the restaurant wrote on Instagram Sunday.
“Our hearts are broken. 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.”
“We still can’t believe it… you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever,” they added.
The restaurant announced that it will temporarily shut its doors “out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed away.”
“She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy — the kind of person who could light up any room she entered,” they wrote on Instagram Monday.
“She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.”
Later that day, Queens-based lounge Starlet of NY also took to social media to honor the model, saying its staffers were “deeply saddened by the loss.”
“She was a one-of-a-kind soul—a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered,” the nightclub wrote on Instagram read.
“Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.”
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