Many in New York City’s hip-hop and nightlife communities are mourning the death of social media influencer Ariela Mejia-Polanco.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old was shot dead Sunday morning while driving alone in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon<\/a>.<\/p>\n Inwood lounge displays memorial for victim<\/p>\n Mejia-Polanco worked as a hostess at the Opus Lounge in Inwood. She was also an influencer with half a million followers on Instagram under the username “ariiela.lalangosta.”<\/p>\n The club posted on social media, “New York City nightlife has lost an angel.” Opus Lounge was closed on Monday night out of respect for the victim.<\/p>\n A memorial now sits outside the building, where some stopped by to pay their respects.<\/p>\n “I’m very heartbroken. Just coming now, knowing she had her two daughters, very sad,” Jecelia Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n “It really hurts, you know, Dominican. You know, very beautiful. Such a thing like this, very, very sad,” Anaceli Hernandez said.<\/p>\n Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine mourns death of close friend<\/p>\n In March, on social media, Mejia-Polanco showed off a luxury SUV, which appears to be the same vehicle she was driving Sunday. Her body was found in that vehicle, not far from 42 Broad, where she rented an apartment.<\/p>\n Mejia-Polanco also owned a large home in the northern suburbs. Friends and family there declined to comment.<\/p>\n The victim was a close friend of the controversial rapper and former gang member known as Tekashi 6ix9ine<\/a>. He posted on social media his love for Mejia-Polanco, whom he featured in a 2023 music video.<\/p>\n Westchester County Police are reviewing the victim’s movements and relationships as they work with the office of District Attorney Susan Cacace to build a murder case against whoever is responsible.<\/p>\n