The body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas has been returned to her family. This follows the sad discovery of her remains in a Tesla registered to the singer D4vd. The police investigation into her death is still active, seeking answers to a puzzling and tragic situation.
The story first made headlines in September 2025. A strange smell led police to a tow yard in California. There, in a vehicle parked at the 1000 block of Mansfield Avenue in Hollywood, they found human remains. Reports quickly confirmed the car was a Tesla, registered to David Anthony Burke, better known as the 20-year-old artist D4vd.
A representative for D4vd told NBC News that the singer was aware of the situation. They stated that he is fully cooperating with authorities, even though he is currently on tour. Police have not named D4vd as a suspect, nor has he faced any charges.
The Mystery of Celeste Rivas
Celeste Rivas was reported missing in April 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, as shared with the Los Angeles Times. Her disappearance did not gain national attention until September 17, 2025. That’s when the coroner confirmed the body in D4vd’s Tesla was hers, a report picked up by NBC Los Angeles. Forensics helped identify her. The exact cause of her death remains unknown, needing further time from the county coroner.
On September 17, 2025, TMZ reported on an interview with Celeste’s mother. She revealed her daughter had a boyfriend named David. This is the same first name as D4vd, David Anthony Burke. Celeste’s mother also noted that her daughter had a "Shhhh" tattoo on her finger. D4vd reportedly has the same tattoo on his right index finger. However, this particular tattoo design became popular after Rihanna got it in 2008. Other celebrities like Lindsay Lohan also have it.
The investigation led authorities to search a Hollywood Hills, California home on September 17, 2025. NBC Los Angeles confirmed the search. KABC Los Angeles reported that D4vd does not own the house but had been staying there. TMZ also shared that officers left the home with a computer and other evidence bags.
D4vd’s Music and Tour Face Challenges
The timing of this tragedy has cast a strange light on D4vd’s recent projects. In April 2025, he released his album Withered. It included a track titled "Afterlife." Back in 2022, D4vd also put out a song called "Romantic Homicide." Its music video featured a woman covered in blood wearing a white dress. He once told Genius that his songs are like poetry, open to interpretation.
D4vd’s Withered Deluxe: Marcescence album was set for release on September 19, 2025. Days before, on Instagram, he shared a personal message about the project. He called it a "passion project" and thanked collaborators. However, Interscope, D4vd’s record label, and its parent company, UMG, have reportedly put the deluxe album release on hold. TMZ stated this decision was made out of respect for the serious situation and ongoing investigation.
On September 6, 2025, just two days before the body was found, D4vd made an Instagram post. He told his followers, "Tomorrow I start media training, wish me luck guys…"
The legal entanglement has also impacted D4vd’s performance schedule. Fox 13 Seattle reported that D4vd canceled his Seattle concert on September 16, 2025. Sources informed TMZ on September 19, 2025, that his team canceled the last two U.S. tour stops. These included San Francisco on September 19 and Los Angeles on September 20. His upcoming Grammy Museum appearance on September 24, 2025, was also reportedly called off. Many of his international dates, including shows in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin, have been canceled as well, according to Ticketmaster. Interestingly, tickets for his Australia shows in December 2025 are still available.
A Family’s Grief and a Community’s Support
As soon as Celeste Rivas’s body was identified, her family created a GoFundMe page. They aimed to raise money for her funeral costs. "Celeste Rivas Hernández has been identified as the body found last week," the family wrote. "She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss." They asked for help to give her a proper burial. By September 19, 2025, the page had gathered over $14,000 towards its $20,000 goal.
The Los Angeles County coroner confirmed on September 23 that Celeste Rivas’s body had been released to her family, as reported by TMZ. As of now, the investigation into her death continues. Authorities have not yet named any suspects.
