The body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas has been released to her loved ones as they prepare to say their final goodbyes. The Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed to TMZ that her remains were handed over to her relatives on Tuesday, 23 September.
The teenager’s family had already spoken publicly about their heartbreak a few days earlier. On 18 September, a message on a GoFundMe page run by Esmeralda Lozano and Gisel Vera read, “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”
The post 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, her funeral will take place on Saturday, 4 October. PEOPLE has reached out to GoFundMe to verify the page.
Rivas had been reported missing earlier this year. Her body was found on 8 September in the boot of a Tesla registered to 20-year-old singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. On 17 September, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division carried out a search warrant at a property on Doheny Place, an address linked to the artist.
Local outlets KABC-TV and the Los Angeles Times reported that the Hollywood Hills home was where the singer had been staying. Investigators confirmed that “several items of evidence were recovered and will be analyzed by detectives in the coming days. This is an ongoing investigation. Investigators are following up on several leads,” the LAPD told PEOPLE.
The rising star, known for his viral track “Romantic Homicide,” has yet to make any statement about the case. His representative previously told NBC Los Angeles that he is “fully cooperating” with authorities. PEOPLE says the representative has not responded to its repeated requests for comment.
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For Rivas’ family, the focus now is on giving her a dignified farewell. They’ve asked for help through donations as they try to navigate what they describe as an unimaginable loss. The tragedy has left many in shock, not only because of her young age but also because of the circumstances surrounding where and how she was found.
While the investigation continues, the teenager’s loved ones are left mourning a girl they describe as kind, caring and deeply cherished by all who knew her.
