Influencer Ariela, also known as "La Langosta," has tragically passed away, leaving her friend 6ix9ine grieving her loss.
Too soon, Ariela "La Langosta" is gone. The Dominican influencer who appeared in the 2023 music video for 6ix9ine's song "Wapae" passed away.
The rapper referred to her as a "tremendous woman" and the "queen of New York" in a series of Instagram Stories that were translated from Spanish on August 17.
"You supported me in everything," as a tribute to the model, 6ix9ine also included. "My sister."
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On August 17, a lady named Ariela Mejia-Polanco, 33, was discovered dead in her vehicle on the Cross County Parkway, according to the Westchester County Police Department in New York. She was "likely targeted for violence," according to a news release, and police concluded after a preliminary investigation that she died from gunshot wounds.
Ikon New York, Ariela's place of employment, also acknowledged her death on Instagram on August 17, writing, "Today we lost our shining star."
"Our hearts are broken," the eatery in Manhattan released a statement. "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."
Additionally, the establishment stated, "We still can’t believe it… you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever."
The restaurant announced that it had temporarily closed "out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed away." following Ariela's passing.
A statement posted on Instagram on August 18 said, "She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy the kind of person who could light up any room she entered," "She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious."
And the effects of Ariela's death are still being felt in the New York nightlife scene. The Queens-based bar Starlet of NY claimed in a statement on August 18 that its employees were "deeply saddened by the loss."
According to a statement shared on Instagram, "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."
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