Influencer And Model Found Shot To Death On Cross County Parkway Had Global Fame: Reports

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The news of the violent death of a social media influencer and model is sending shockwaves across the Hudson Valley and far beyond.

Influencer and model Ariela "La Langosta," whose real name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco, and who rose to fame starring in Tekashi 6ix9ine's "Wapae" music video, was found dead in a car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Dominican-born model was close friends with the embattled rapper, according to a report from ENews. In a series of Instagram Stories translated from Spanish by the entertainment news outlet, the rapper called her a "tremendous woman" and the "queen of New York."

"You supported me in everything," the rapper said referring to her as, "My sister."

The Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed on Monday that Mejia-Polanco died as a result of gunshot wounds.

Around 8 a.m. on Sunday, a Westchester County Police Department patrol officer responded to a report of a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of the Cross County Parkway just before the Broad Street exit. The officer found Mejia-Polanco dead behind the wheel of the car.

Investigators believe Mejia-Polanco may have been targeted for violence. There is no danger to members of the public, according to police officials.

Mejia-Polanco, who has has addresses in Westchester and Rockland counties, worked at Ikon New York.

The establishment publicly marked the loss, perhaps fittingly, on Instagram.

"Today we lost our shining star," the restaurant wrote in a post on Monday. "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."