The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the missing teenage girl whose body was discovered in the boot of a Tesla, has broken their silence in the wake of the devastating tragedy.
The car, belonging to 20-year-old singer-songwriter D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, had been sitting at a Los Angeles impound lot when staff smelt a foul odour coming from the vehicle on September 8.
When police arrived at the scene, they opened the Tesla’s front boot to find a decomposing body stuffed inside a bag.
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On Wednesday (local time), authorities confirmed the remains belonged to 15-year-old Celeste, who had been reported missing since 2023.
Just one day after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner publicly identified the body, an emotional statement has been shared on GoFundMe about her family’s heartbreak.
“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week,” wrote GoFundMe organisers Esmeralda Lozano and Gisel Vera.
“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 funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”
At the time of reporting, nearly 400 donations have been made, raising a total of $14,600.
GoFundMe confirmed to The Nightly they are working with the fundraiser organiser to ensure the funds safely reach the intended beneficiary.
The emotional update follows a report from NBC News, which revealed that Celeste’s remains were not intact, and the county medical examiner was still working to determine the cause of death.
“At this time, the LAPD does not have a crime classification from the coroner as to the mode or manner of death. Thus, we do not have any suspect information at this time,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that local authorities had verified her identity with the LAPD, recognising her as the juvenile reported missing from Lake Elsinore.
Police say the car, which has Texas plates, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days earlier before being towed to Hollywood Tow.
Aerial footage shows officers surrounding the Tesla and setting up a white tent before the car was removed from the lot.
D4vd, who rose to fame with viral TikTok hits including Here with Me and Romantic Homicide, is cooperating with investigators.
“D4vd has been informed about what’s happened. And, although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities,” a spokesperson for the singer said Tuesday.
D4vd has been enjoying a meteoric rise in 2025, with a Coachella debut, appearances alongside Billie Eilish, a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and a global tour currently underway.
He is scheduled to perform in Europe next month before bringing the tour to Australia for the summer.
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