Teen Whose Body Was Found In Singer's Car, Remembered 1 Year After Reported Missing

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Friends and family of the Lake Elsinore teen whose body was found inside an impounded Tesla in Hollywood last week are coming to grips with the discovery of the young teenager's death.

It's been over a year since Celeste Rivas was reported by her family as a runaway from her Lake Elsinore home. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigated her disappearance after the fact in April of 2024, but no leads were confirmed at that time. She was last seen wearing gray pants, a black sweater, a hat and Hello Kitty sandals, according to investigators and the missing person poster.

On Wednesday, the local department received notification from the Los Angeles Police Department that the missing girl, identified as Celeste Rivas, had been located and was identified as the victim of a death investigation, Lt. Deirdre Vickers told Patch.

"She was entered into the missing person database as a runaway from her home in the 3000 block of Jamieson Street in Lake Elsinore, and the report was forwarded to investigators for follow-up," Vickers said. The investigation remained ongoing until her body was ultimately identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, as the missing Lake Elsinore girl, Vickers said.

This was at least the second time she ran away, but this time, Celeste did not come home.

Those who knew Celeste before she disappeared shared their stories on social media this week when news of her death made international headlines.

Her mother, Mercedes Martinez, and aunt, Dora Hernandez, shared numerous posts regarding the runaway child. Reports state that her mother identified Celeste's boyfriend as someone named "David," whom she had never met.

Remembering Celeste

Friends and neighbors commented on their shock over Facebook and social media posts.

"Celeste lived right across the street from me," one commenter said. "I had no idea about any of this until today when a newsman showed up at my door."

Another commenter shared that "she went to school at Lakeland Village till she went missing at 13."

Others wondered why news of her going missing hadn't been posted all over the city.

"I knew nothing about a missing girl and now she's found a year later in some rapper's car and he's on tour and we ain't getting answers on how she got there, what he knows, and if he reported her stolen."

A memorial service for Celeste is planned for October 4, according to a GoFundMe that Esmerelda Lozano shared on behalf of the family.

"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. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you can donate are greatly appreciated.

-The Rivas Hernandez family"

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