Rising social media star Ariela La Langosta, a mother and influencer with nearly 700K followers, was tragically shot dead in her car north of the Bronx in New York early Sunday morning, an apparent targeted attack that has left fans, family, and the music community—including tributes from Tekashi 6ix9ine and Cardi B—shocked and mourning while authorities continue their investigation with no arrests made.

Ariela Mejia-Polanco, widely known by her stage name Ariela La Langosta, was tragically found shot dead in her vehicle early Sunday morning in a quiet area just north of the Bronx, New York.

Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., when local residents reported hearing gunfire near the intersection of East 233rd Street and White Plains Road.

Investigators have indicated that Ariela appeared to have been deliberately targeted, although no arrests have been made and the motive remains under investigation.

The 27-year-old, a mother of one, had built a flourishing career in entertainment and social media.

She gained a substantial following of nearly 700,000 on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she showcased her modeling work, nightlife appearances, and creative content.

Ariela’s striking presence and charismatic personality made her a recognizable figure in New York’s nightlife scene.

She was frequently seen at high-profile nightclubs and events, where her modeling work often intersected with music industry projects.

Ariela’s rise to prominence also included appearances in music videos, most notably Tekashi 6ix9ine’s hit track “Wapae,” which further solidified her presence in pop culture.

Her collaborations with prominent artists and her growing social media influence made her a celebrated figure among young fans and followers.

In response to her untimely death, several figures in the music industry paid tribute to Ariela on social media.

Tekashi 6ix9ine posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing shock and sadness over her loss, while Cardi B shared a moving tribute highlighting Ariela’s contributions to music and entertainment and sending condolences to her family.

Fans of both the rapper and the late influencer flocked to social media to mourn her passing and remember her vibrant personality.

Police have launched a full investigation into the shooting, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and traffic cameras.

Preliminary reports suggest that the attack was targeted rather than random, but authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“We are treating this as a homicide investigation,” said Detective Anthony Russo of the NYPD’s Major Crimes Unit.

“Our priority is to identify the responsible parties and ensure justice for the victim and her family.”

Ariela’s friends and family described her as a dedicated mother, a hardworking creator, and a woman with a passionate drive for life.

“She was full of energy and always encouraging others to follow their dreams,” said a close friend who requested anonymity.

“Her loss is devastating, and we hope the community can help bring closure by providing any information to the authorities.”

The Bronx community has been left in shock following the incident.

Residents expressed concern over the violence in the area, highlighting that the neighborhood has seen a number of recent shootings.

Community leaders have called for increased police presence and vigilance, emphasizing the need for public safety measures.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ariela was known for her openness with her followers, often sharing glimpses of her personal life, including motherhood, her experiences in the modeling industry, and her ambitions for the future.

Her authenticity and relatability contributed to her rapid rise on social media and endeared her to fans around the world.

As the investigation continues, authorities have promised to keep the public informed about any developments.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in across social media platforms, with fans and colleagues reflecting on her life, her impact on the entertainment industry, and the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.

The community, both online and offline, is uniting to mourn a rising star whose life was abruptly cut short.

Ariela La Langosta’s untimely passing underscores the broader challenges of violence in urban communities and the vulnerability of public figures navigating fame in high-risk environments.

As friends, family, and fans come to terms with her loss, her legacy as a talented creator, mother, and cultural influencer remains firmly imprinted in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her work.

Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation, as the Bronx community seeks answers and justice for Ariela Mejia-Polanco, whose promising life and career ended far too soon.