The sister reopened an old social media account to clarify the family’s position and provide funeral details. Her comments bring new context to a case that has drawn widespread public attention and speculation online.
Celeste Rivas’ Sister Speaks Out
In her message, Celeste’s sister revealed the family had “no idea where Celeste was, and we also didn’t know who David was,” referring to singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known as d4vd. She described the family’s grief and frustration as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Celeste’s death.
On the GoFundMe controversy, she insisted, “we are absolutely not trying to scam anyone. Every single donation is going directly where it’s supposed to.” She added that the original fundraiser had been started by Celeste herself but was removed after outsiders began exposing private family information. The family then shared a new fundraiser from the reopened account.
“Gracias por todo su apoyo, significa mucho,” she wrote in Spanish, thanking supporters as donations moved closer to their goal. She also rejected accusations of clout chasing, stating the family is focused only on honoring Celeste’s memory.
Funeral Plans and Family Privacy
The sister announced that Celeste’s funeral will likely take place in two to three weeks once legal procedures are completed. After the service, the account will be deactivated to preserve the family’s privacy. She stressed that the family is not seeking attention but simply trying to cope with their loss.
This update is significant because it clarifies misinformation circulating online. It also shows the family’s determination to set the record straight while dealing with personal grief.
Background on the Celeste Rivas Case
Celeste Rivas Fernandez disappeared from Lake Elsinore, California, on April 5, 2024. Her case remained unresolved for over a year despite police searches and community efforts. On September 8, 2025, her decomposed remains were found inside a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle was registered to d4vd, who has been cooperating with investigators. Authorities are treating the case as a homicide, though no charges have been filed.
The family previously said Celeste was “only 15 years old. She should still be here with us. She trusted someone who didn’t protect her, and now she’s gone.” Their new statement adds another layer, making clear they had no personal connection to d4vd despite public speculation.
The investigation into Celeste’s death continues, with police reviewing surveillance footage, phone records, and personal contacts. The family’s clarification helps fight misinformation but also highlights the challenges of living under public scrutiny during such a devastating loss.
Celeste Rivas’ sister has now made clear: the family never knew d4vd, they are not running a scam, and they only want justice for Celeste while preserving their privacy.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What did Celeste Rivas’ sister say about d4vd?She said the family did not know him personally and only learned about him after Celeste’s death.
Q2: Is the GoFundMe fundraiser for Celeste a scam?The sister denied scam claims, saying donations go directly to funeral and family support.
Q3: When will Celeste Rivas’ funeral take place?The family expects to hold it in 2–3 weeks once legal procedures are finished.
Q4: What is the current status of the investigation?The case is still under homicide investigation. Authorities are examining records and evidence, with no charges filed yet.
Q5: How did the family respond to clout chasing allegations?They denied the claims, saying they only want to honor Celeste’s memory and maintain privacy.
References
Reuters. (2025). Report on U.S. homicide investigations.
Associated Press. (2025). Coverage of missing teens in California.
BBC News. (2025). International update on U.S. crime cases.
