Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 20, 2025 · Entertainment

From Stardom to Scandal: The Fall of Music Star D4vd

D4vd - real name David Anthony Burke - has not yet commented publicly on the discovery of a runaway teen's dismembered remains in his impounded Tesla

SHOCKING TWIST: Pop Sensation D4vd's Meteoric Rise Turns into a Descent into Darkness

In the cutthroat world of music, it's not uncommon for stars to rise and fall with dizzying speed. But few have plummeted as precipitously as D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), whose life has been turned upside down by a gruesome discovery that has left the entertainment industry reeling.

Just months ago, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter was basking in the glory of his viral TikTok hit and his debut album, "Withered," which had earned him widespread critical acclaim. He'd even made his late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel at the tender age of 18. But now, Burke's world has been shattered by the discovery of a dismembered body in a black Tesla registered in his name.

The horrific find was made by Los Angeles police at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, where officers were investigating a putrid smell emanating from the trunk of the vehicle. Inside, they discovered the partial remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, who had been missing since May 2024 when she was just 13.

As news of the gruesome discovery spread like wildfire, Burke's friends and collaborators in the music industry began to distance themselves from him with alarming speed. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kari Uchis was among the first to announce that she was working to get her collaboration with Burke removed from streaming services. "Not my friend," she wrote on Instagram, "I did a song with him which is currently in the process of being taken down given today's disturbing news."

But it wasn't just Uchis who was scrambling to distance themselves from Burke. Dozens of fellow artists and celebrities, including Tyler, The Creator, Daniel Caesar, Addison Rae, Tate MacRae, and Ice Spice, have unfollowed him on Instagram in a move that can only be described as a mass exodus.

D4vd seen with Pharrell Williams

Even the gaming giant Fortnite has cut ties with Burke, who had created an anthem for the online video game. "We are shocked and disturbed by this news," a spokesperson for the company told TheScholarlyNote.com. "We will not engage with anyone who is suspected of being involved in such heinous crimes."

As investigators continue to comb through evidence – including a laptop seized from Burke's rental home – it's becoming increasingly clear that the young singer's meteoric rise was built on shaky ground.

Sources close to Rivas have revealed that Burke had been in an underage relationship with the teenager, who allegedly ran away from home because her family didn't approve of their alleged romance. The two were often spotted together in public, and it's now emerged that Burke would pick up Rivas in the very same Tesla in which her body was later found.

Images screenshotted from Burke's social media pages show him with a girl who closely resembles descriptions and photos of Rivas

While Burke has yet to speak publicly about the allegations against him, his lawyer Blair Berk (who also represents Prince Andrew) has released a statement saying only that her client is cooperating with investigators. But it seems clear that the once-bright star's future is now as uncertain as his fate in the wake of this tragedy.

As the investigation into Rivas' death continues to unfold, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Burke's world will never be the same again. And neither will the entertainment industry, which has been left reeling by this shocking and disturbing revelation.

The Fallout Continues

In a bid to scrub their associations with Burke from public view, several brands have also cut ties with him. Crocs and Hollister, who had partnered with the singer for a "Dream Drop" marketing campaign, have both removed his face from promotional images on their websites and social media pages.

And in a move that suggests they are taking no chances, Interscope Records has shelved plans to release Burke's deluxe album – just as it was about to drop.

Meanwhile, fans who attended Burke's concerts were left stunned by the news. "I had no idea he was capable of something like this," said one attendee at a recent show in Seattle. "He seemed so normal and charming on stage."

Burke made his late-night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel in November 2023 at the age of 18

Burke's official store has also removed products featuring his alter ego, ITAMI, which was promoted alongside his album. The eerie images – complete with blood-splattered visuals – have been replaced by a notice stating that the items are no longer available.

As investigators continue to comb through evidence, one question remains: what exactly did Burke know about Rivas' fate? And how far will this scandal reach into the music industry?

The Investigation Continues

On Friday, it was reported that Burke Spotify - was the biggest gainer on Spotify¿s Global Artists chart, jumping up 63 spots to #90 on their most listened to list (seen above with Raye)

Los Angeles police are still working tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding Rivas' death. Detectives were seen leaving Burke's rental home with bags of evidence on Wednesday, and sources close to the investigation have revealed that they are searching for blood evidence and DNA.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Rivas' family, who are seeking help to lay their beloved daughter to rest. "Celeste was a bright light in our lives," wrote her brother Matthew in a statement on behalf of his family. "We are heartbroken by this tragedy and seek your support during this difficult time."

As the world watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: D4vd's story will never be told the same way again.

Burke has other collaborations with Stray Kids¿ Hyunjin (seen above with the band)

Timeline of Events

  • May 2024: Celeste Rivas goes missing at the age of 13.
  • August 2024: Burke begins his national tour promoting his debut album "Withered."
  • September 3, 2024: Brands Crocs and Hollister launch their "Dream Drop" marketing campaign featuring Burke.
  • September 8, 2024: Los Angeles police discover a dismembered body in a black Tesla registered to Burke.
  • September 10, 2024: Kari Uchis announces that she is working to get her collaboration with Burke removed from streaming services.
  • September 11, 2024: Dozens of fellow artists and celebrities unfollow Burke on Instagram.
  • September 12, 2024: Fortnite cuts ties with Burke.

As the investigation into Rivas' death continues, one thing is clear: D4vd's world will never be the same again.

Kari Uchis (above) who to her followers on Instagram on Wednesday that she was working to get her ¿Crashing¿ collaboration with Burke removed from all streaming services

Post to social media shows Burke rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rosalia and 21 Savage

The Houston-raised performer also created an anthem for the online video game Fortnite (pictured with Australian singer Hannah Bahng_

The bloodied shirts form part of an alter-ego Burke created, known as Itami, through which he channels themes of pain, obsession and heartbreak

Sources claimed to the Daily Mail Rivas had been in a relationship with Burke. Rivas is seen in an image shared by concerned family members on Facebook after she ran away in 2024