Dominican social media influencer Ariela, better known as “La Langosta,” has died, and her fans and friends are in shock.
The social media influencer, whose Instagram following totaled over 556,000, also hit the headlines due to her extremely publicized best friendship with rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine.
Ariela, who regularly wrote about fashion, lifestyle, and modeling on her blog, was employed by Ikon New York, a trendy Manhattan lounge. The restaurant confirmed the death in an Aug. 17 message, stating that she had been working the night before she died. “She was a brilliant, humble spirit with amazing energy – the kind of person who could brighten up any room she entered,” the venue stated.
Ikon New York closed temporarily after the news, stating it had to pay its respects to the late influencer. “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,” the restaurant posted in its obituary.
Hip-hop artist Tekashi 6ix9ine also responded to her untimely death. On Instagram Stories, he referred to her as the “queen of New York,” going on to say, “NY won’t ever be the same. I loved you.” His touching words touched fans who had witnessed their friendly interactions in public.
tributes were streaming in on social media, both from fans and fellow New York nightlife icons. Starlets of New York, a popular Queens club, paid tribute to Ariela as “a beautiful friend, devoted mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she walked into.” The club continued that although her energy would be missed, her spirit would remain through the group she influenced.
Friends and followers said Ariela was a very optimistic and good human being who exuded kindness and good energy. All of them remembered how she never took anything for granted and continued to challenge everyone to be joyful.
Her passing left an air of emptiness in both New York and Dominican communities, but particularly among the Latinx creative community that she embodied. As the fans are still in shock, Ariela’s character as a dynamic person and empathetic buddy continues to be highly felt.
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