Celeste Rivas: Teen’s body found in singer D4vd’s Tesla returned to family as they search for answers

The body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, discovered dead in the trunk of US singer D4vd’s Tesla, has now been released to her grieving family for memorial services.

After years of desperate searching, the family will finally be able to lay her to rest, an act they describe as both painful and necessary, as they prepare to say goodbye to a child they had hoped would one day come home alive.

The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed the handover on Tuesday, September 23, ending a harrowing wait for relatives who had been searching for answers since her disappearance.

Celeste was just 13 when she vanished in 2023, her face plastered across missing persons posters online and shared widely on social media. For nearly two years, her family lived with uncertainty — until police made the grim discovery earlier this month.

Authorities were first alerted after reports of a foul odour coming from a Tesla registered to D4vd, whose real name is David Burke. Los Angeles Police Department officers opened the vehicle’s front trunk, where they found a decomposing body stuffed inside a bag.

Forensic testing later confirmed the remains were those of Celeste.

It was reported that the body was not intact, and that the county medical examiner wasstill working to determine the exact cause of death.

Her family broke their silence in a statement on GoFundMe.

“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week,” organisers Esmeralda Lozano and Gisel Vera wrote.

“She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”

They continued: “Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”

According to the fundraiser, Celeste’s funeral will take place on October 4.

Friends, relatives, and members of the wider community are expected to attend the service, which has already drawn significant support online.

Meanwhile, the investigation continues to intensify.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they executed a search warrant on the 1300 block of Doheny Place, reportedly tied to the chart-topping singer.

“Several items of evidence were recovered and will be analysed by detectives in the coming days. This is an ongoing investigation. Investigators are following up on several leads,” an LAPD spokesperson told People.

The singer, best known for his viral hit Romantic Homicide, has not made any public comment but is said to be cooperating with authorities.

The revelations have sparked shockwaves among fans of the rising artist, whose career had been on a rapid upward trajectory. On social media, supporters of Celeste’s family have called for transparency, accountability, and justice, while others expressed disbelief at the singer’s possible ties to such a disturbing case.

Music industry insiders have also raised questions about how the allegations could impact D4vd’s future, both professionally and legally.

It has since been confirmed that D4vd has been quietly removed from the lineup of this year’s Spilt Milk festival, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation and the growing public scrutiny surrounding the case.