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USA Today
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Police say influencer Ariiela La Langosta was 'likely targeted' in fatal shooting
Authorities in New York have revealed the cause of death of Arriela La Langosta, a popular online personality whose death made waves on social media. The 33-year-old, whose real name Ariela Mejia-Polanco, was found dead behind the wheel of her vehicle on Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, a city north of the Bronx, on Sunday, Aug. 17, according to the Westchester County Police Department. Police confirmed that Mejia-Polanco died from gunshot wounds, and a preliminary investigation revealed that she "was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act." The social media influencer, known online from her account @ had 570,000 followers on Instagram and had a high-profile friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine. 'NY won't ever be the same' 6ix9ine shared a series of videos of himself and Mejia-Polanco spending time together and joking around, praising her as a "tremendous woman." "The queen of New York," Tekashi added, including a snippet of their favorite song, Aventura's early 2000s hit "Obsesión." "NY won't ever be the same." Mejia-Polanco was featured as a dancer in the music video for Tekashi's 2023 song, "Wapae," from the rapper's third album, "Leyenda Viva." In subsequent posts, Tekashi gushed that Mejia-Polanco "supported me in everything" and that the influencer was like a "sister" to him. WABC reported that rapper Cardi B also acknowledged her passing with the message, "RIP Dominican Pretty." Reactions pour in for mother of two According to local media outlets WABC-TV and CBS News New York, Mejia-Polanco worked in the New York City nightlife scene. Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant and disco lounge, paid tribute to her in an emotional Instagram post on Aug. 17. "Our hearts are broken. Your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out," the statement said. "Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours." Opus Lounge also shared a post: "We join with his family's grief at this difficult time and send our deepest condolences." Mejia-Polanco is survived by her two children, who are 13 and 14 years old, WABC-TV reported. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Newsweek
Ariela La Langosta's Cause of Death Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ariela La Langosta, a content creator with more than 570,000 followers on Instagram, was found dead in her car on Sunday. She was 33. Westchester County Police Department in New York said in a statement on Facebook that she "died as a result of gunshot wounds, the Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed." Newsweek reached out to the Westchester County Police Department via email on Wednesday. The Context La Langosta—whose real name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco—was a Dominican social media influencer known for starring in rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine's "Wapae" music video in 2023. What To Know La Langosta was found dead on Sunday morning in what the police called a likely "targeted" attack while driving alone on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon, New York. She was found deceased at approximately 8 a.m. local time. The Westchester County Police Department said that a preliminary investigation showed La Langosta's death was "likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act." In March, the influencer posted photos of a luxury Mercedes SUV to social media. According to CBS News New York, the vehicle is the same one she was driving when she was killed. Ariela La Langosta is pictured in a photo from September 29, 2024. Ariela La Langosta is pictured in a photo from September 29, 2024. Ariela La Langosta/Instagram What People Are Saying Tekashi 6ix9ine posted on his Instagram Stories, per People: "NY won't ever be the same. I loved you." Opus Lounge, where La Langosta worked, wrote in a translated post on Instagram: "Tonight the nightlife loses an angel. With great sadness we say goodbye to our great friend and companion of so many years, Ariela. Their light, their joy and their company were always part of our best moments, inside and outside Opus Lounge. We join with his family's grief at this difficult time and send our deepest condolences. Out of respect and honor of his memory, Opus Lounge will remain closed tonight. May God hold you in glory, dear Ariela." Nightclub Starlets of New York shared via Instagram: "The entire Starlets family is deeply saddened by the loss of @ 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." Restaurant Ikon New York said in a tribute on Instagram: "Today we lost our shining star @ 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." What Happens Next The Westchester County Police Department said on Facebook: "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."
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
New York influencer, 33, found dead in her car
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of an influencer deceased in her car over the weekend. Ariela La Langosta — whose real name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco — was discovered in her vehicle on the Cross County Parkway, New York on Sunday, August 17. Initial investigations carried out by police are pointing towards the possibility that the 33-year-old was 'targeted for violence.' An investigation has been launched following the discovery of an influencer deceased in her car over the weekend. Pic: Ariela La Langosta/ Instagram The influencer boasted 567,000 followers on Instagram where she posted lifestyle content and an insight into her glamorous life. La Langosta also appeared in the 2023 music video for the song Wapae by rapper Tekashia 6ix9ine. A statement issued by Westchester County Police Department confirmed the death of the influencer was as a result of gunshot wounds. Taking to Facebook on Monday, they wrote: 'Ariela Mejia-Polanco, 33, was found deceased about 8am behind the wheel of her car on the eastbound Cross County Parkway near the Broad Street exit in Mount Vernon. Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act.' They added that the homicide 'remains under investigation' with the General Investigators Unit receiving assistance from other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. 'Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time,' they concluded. Tributes poured in for the young woman, with 6ix9ine taking to Instagram and sharing a clip of Ariella on a rollercoaster, writing: 'Mi Negra' [my dear] along with a broken heart. Fashion brand Starlets of NY also paid tribute, writing: 'Forever in our hearts — tonight we raise a shot to @ A beautiful soul who blessed us with love, memories, and laughter. 'Smile in peace, beautiful.'
NDTV
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
New York Influencer Ariela La Langosta's Body Found With Bullet Injury, Cops Say "Not A Random Act"
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. Ikon New York, a Manhattan restaurant and lounge, confirmed to People that she had worked at the venue the night before her body was found on Sunday. The Westchester County Police Department confirmed her death, stating she died as a result of gunshot wounds, likely a "targeted" attack rather than a random act of violence. The vehicle also showed signs of damage, including shattered windows and bullet holes, suggesting an orchestrated attack. "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. Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act," police said in a statement on Facebook. Ms Langosta was a popular social media influencer with over 566,000 followers on Instagram, where she showcased her fashion sense and modelling work. She worked at Ikon New York, a Manhattan lounge, and performed at venues like Starlets of New York and Opus Lounge. The influencer had also previously collaborated with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine on his music videos, including the notable appearance in 'Wapae'. Tekashi 6ix9ine, Cardi B, and others mourned her on social media, with 6ix9ine calling her a "tremendous woman" and "the queen of New York." She leaves behind two children. The investigation is ongoing, with police withholding further details. Ikon New York announced on Instagram that it would remain closed from August 18 to August 21 "out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed." "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," the tribute said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
How did Ariela La Langosta die? Westchester County Police's statement after NY influencer's death; ‘Not a random act'
Ariela La Langosta, a social media personality who appeared in rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine's 2023 music video Wapae, passed away at the age of 33. Ariela La Langosta found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday.(Ariela La Langosta/Instagram) According to the Westchester County Police Department in New York, the model, whose true name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco, was discovered dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway on August 17. The Police Department posted a statement on Facebook, confirming that they conducted a preliminary investigation, determining that Ariela was 'likely targeted for violence' and died from gunshot wounds. '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,' police stated. Stressing that her death was 'not a random act,' the police said that the General Investigations Unit investigators are still investigating the homicide. Other local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities have offered assistance to the police throughout the ongoing inquiry. Ariela La Langosta dies at 33: Police probe underway 'Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time,' police added. With over 566,000 Instagram followers, the social media celebrity frequently posted fashion and modeling-related posts. Also Read: 'What a weirdo'; James Comey's 'On Taylor Swift' video draws huge backlash, here's what he said Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine pays condolence Ariela La Langosta Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine paid his respects to his longtime pal on social media on Sunday night. He referred to her as a 'tremendous woman' and the 'queen of New York' in a number of videos posted to his Instagram Story. A sample of their favorite song, Aventura's early 2000s smash 'Obsesión,' was included with his tribute to the Dominican content creator, which read, 'You supported me in everything.' 'My sister. NY won't ever be the same. I loved you,' he added. Later, the rapper posted other videos of the model along with the Spanish phrases "Yo te ami" and "Mi nogra," which mean "I love you" and "My wife," respectively. Ikon New York in Inwood, where Ariela worked, also paid their tribute on Instagram on Sunday, saying: 'Today we lost our shining star.' '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.'
