Who Was Ariela 'La Langosta'? Dominican Influencer Found Shot Dead in Her Car at 33

Ariela Mejia-Polanco, better known as Ariela 'La Langosta', was a Dominican influencer and model with more than 500,000 followers on Instagram. The 33-year-old was widely recognized for her vibrant fashion content and her close friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, even appearing in his 2023 music video 'Wapae'.

On Sunday, August 17, she was discovered dead in her car on the eastbound Cross County Parkway near Mount Vernon, New York. Authorities confirmed she died from gunshot wounds and believed the attack was targeted, not random. Her sudden death has shaken the New York nightlife community, where she was a familiar face and employee at venues like Ikon New York.

Friends, colleagues and fans have since paid tribute to her, remembering her joy, humility and the ability to brighten any room. Tekashi 6ix9ine called her the 'queen of New York' in an emotional message. Her passing leaves behind not only a digital legacy but also a profound loss for those who knew and loved her.