The community gathered to say their final goodbyes to Celeste Rivas. This young teenager’s life ended too soon, her body found in a car linked to the singer D4vd. Her funeral took place while authorities are still trying to piece together the details of her death.
The emotional ceremony happened on Monday, October 6, at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Funeral Home in Rowland Heights, California. It came almost a full month after the shocking discovery of her body. Images from the day, shared by People magazine, painted a somber picture. Members of the Rivas family carried a simple white coffin, adorned with soft pink and white flowers. Many mourners bowed their heads in grief, while others shielded themselves from the sun with black umbrellas.
Reports from a news outlet, Us Weekly, had previously detailed the start of a police investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department began looking into a death after officers responded to a Hollywood tow yard on September 8. They were called because of a foul odor coming from a vehicle. Inside, investigators made a chilling discovery: human remains within a Tesla. The car was registered to D4vd, known offstage as David Anthony Burke. This particular Tesla had been towed from the Hollywood Hills, where it was left abandoned almost a week prior.
At the time of the discovery, a representative for D4vd issued a statement to NBC News. They explained that the "Here With Me" singer was "informed about what happened" and was "fully cooperating with authorities" in their investigation. Later, law enforcement confirmed the body belonged to 15-year-old Celeste Rivas. They sadly noted her remains were "severely decomposed" when discovered.
By September 23, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed that Celeste’s body had been released to her grieving family. As of now, the official cause of Celeste Rivas’s death remains a mystery. Her cause of death is currently listed as "deferred." An assistant medical examiner has completed an initial examination. However, more tests and studies are needed to figure out what happened, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office told KTLA on September 29.
"Due to the ongoing death investigation, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner cannot reveal which tests and/or studies were requested," the medical examiner’s office added. "Deferred cases can take several months before the cause of death is determined."
d4vd Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images
Back in September, Celeste’s family launched a GoFundMe page. They hoped to raise money to cover the unexpected and tragic funeral expenses. On the GoFundMe page, her family shared their deep sorrow. "As many know, Celeste Rivas Hernández has been identified as the body found last week," they wrote. "She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any donation you can give is greatly appreciated." Later, the family posted an update, expressing their gratitude. "Thank you to everyone who has been so generous to donate," they wrote. "The family is extremely thankful. God bless you all."
Before this tragic discovery, Celeste Rivas had been reported missing in April 2024. Her last known location was Lake Elsinore, California, about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The exact nature of the relationship between Celeste Rivas and D4vd remains unclear. However, Celeste’s mother mentioned to TMZ in September that her daughter had a boyfriend named David. Intriguingly, both the teenager and the musician shared a unique "shhhh" tattoo on their right index finger.
As the investigation continued, police searched a home where D4vd was staying. The "Romantic Homicide" singer also called off his remaining tour dates. His record label, Interscope, along with its parent company UMG, also put a hold on releasing the deluxe edition of his first album, Withered. It’s important to note that D4vd has not been named as a suspect in this case. He has also not faced any charges related to Celeste Rivas’s death.