New York influencer and close friend of rapper 6ix9ine found dead in her car aged 33

New York influencer and close friend of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, Ariela La Langosta, has died aged 33, police have confirmed.

The social media star gardened over 560,000 followers on Instagram for content on fashion and modelling, and regularly shared updates with her followers about her daily life.

Ariela is arguably best known for starring in rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine’s ‘Wapae’ music video in 2023, with the musician paying respects to her close friend in a series of videos posted to Instagram.

“You supported me in everything,” he wrote in a tribute. “My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.”

It was police who confirmed Ariela had been found deceased in her car on the Cross County Parkway on August 17 having been the victim of suspected gunshot wounds.

The social media star has died aged 33

A Westchester County Police Department read: “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.

“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 continued: “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 in the continuing investigation.

“Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time.”

An investigation into the influencer’s death is ongoing

Tekashi 6ix9ine posted a series of Instagram videos in tribute to his late friend, writing: “You supported me in everything. My sister. NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.”

Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant where the New York-based influencer worked, has also paid their respects after their employee’s sudden passing was detailed by authorities.

Describing Ariela as their ‘shining star’, the food and drink venue added: “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.”

Nightclubs in the New York area have also paid their respects, with Starlets of New York remembering the influencer as ‘a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered’ in an emotional tribute posted to Instagram.