NEW YORK — Ariela “La Langosta,” a New York-based beauty influencer and good friend of Tekashi 6ix9ine, was found dead inside her car on the Cross County Parkway earlier this week.

The 33-year-old model, whose real name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco, suffered several gunshot wounds before her body was discovered behind the wheel of her vehicle on Sunday morning, according the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police said Ariela’s car was located just after 8 a.m.in Mount Vernon, along the parkway’s eastbound shoulder near Broad Street.

“Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act,” the Westchester County Police Department said in a press release.

“The homicide remains under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit,” it continued. “Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time.”

Ariela, who boasts more than 560,000 followers on Instagram, starred in Tekashi 6ix9ine’s “Wapae” music video in 2023.

The rapper paid tribute to his late friend in a series of Instagram stories following the news of her death, writing in Spanish in one post that she was the “queen of New York.” He also said she was like a “sister” to him and that she “supported him” through everything.

“NY won’t ever be the same,” Tekashi added. “I loved you.”

Ikon New York, the Manhattan restaurant and disco lounge where Ariela worked, also honored the influencer on social media.

“She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy — the kind of person who could light up any room she entered,” the restaurant said. “She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.”

Starlets of New York, a nightclub in Queens, also mourned Ariela’s death, remembering her as “a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered” in a post on Instagram.

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

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