Ariela La Langosta dead at 33: Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine’s friend and influencer gunned down inside her car
Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela ‘La Langosta’ Mejia-Polanco, who was gunned down in New York over the weekend.
She was just 33 years old.
Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver’s seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. Sunday.
Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was ‘targeted for violence,’ stressing the killing was not random.
The case is still under active investigation.
The rapper took to Instagram on Monday to post a series of emotional tributes, sharing personal clips with Ariela and calling her a ‘tremendous woman’ he considered ‘like a sister.’
Ariela La Langosta, a 33-year-old social media influencer and bartender, was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in New York on August 17
Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver’s seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. Sunday
‘NY won’t ever be the same,’ added the rapper. ‘I loved you.’
She had built a following of more than 550,000 on Instagram and previously appeared as a dancer in his 2023 music video for Wapae.
In the wake of her death, Ariela’s workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge in New York, also honored her memory, describing her as a ‘shining star’.
‘Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours,’ they wrote.
‘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.’
In the wake of Ariela’s death, the restaurant announced it would close temporarily as a sign of respect for her.
Ariela’s loss has sent shockwaves through New York’s nightlife community.
‘She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy—the kind of person who could light up any room she entered,’ read a statement shared on Instagram.
Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela ‘La Langosta’ Mejia-Polanco
Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was ‘targeted for violence,’ stressing the killing was not random
‘She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.’
The Queens-based lounge Starlet of NY also expressed its sorrow over her passing.
In a statement, the venue said 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 statement added.
‘Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.’
