Ariela Mejia-Polanco Dies: NY Influencer And 6ix9ine’s Friend Was 33

New York influencer Ariela Mejia-Polanco, better known as Ariela “La Langosta,” has died. She was 33. According to E! Online, Mejia-Polanco was a friend of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, appearing in the music video for his 2023 song “Wapae.”

The rapper remembered her in several Instagram Stories shared Sunday, where he remembered her as a “tremendous woman” and the “queen of New York.”

“You supported me in everything,” he added, along with Aventura’s “Obsesión,” the pair’s favorite song, the New York Post reported. “My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you,” adding in Spanish, “Yo te ame” and “Mi nogra,” meaning “I love you” and “My wife.”

The Westchester Police Department confirmed Mejia-Polanco died of gunshot wounds

The Westchester Police Department stated on Monday that Mejia-Polanco was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday morning. Several outlets have reported that Tekashi was the one who found her.

Authorities shared that after conducting a “preliminary investigation,” they determined that Mejia-Polanco’s “death was not a random act,” and she was “likely targeted for violence.”

“The homicide remains under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit,” the statement concludes. “Assistance has been provided by other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies during the continuing investigation,” adding, “Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time.”

She’s remembered as a ‘shining star’ and ‘a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy’

Tekashi isn’t the only one mourning Mejia-Polanco. The Manhattan restaurant where she worked, Ikon, shared a statement on Instagram on Sunday.

“Today we lost our shining star @ariiela.lalangosta 💔. 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. 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 a separate post, the establishment announced, “We had planned to begin our new restaurant hours this week, opening on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. However, out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed away, we will remain closed until Thursday,” mourning the 33-year-old and remembering her as a “brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy” who will be “deeply missed by all of us.”

“Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones,” Ikon urged readers. “Life is precious.”

Starlets of NY, a Queens lounge, shared that its staff are “deeply saddened by the loss” in an Instagram post.

“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. Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.”