American figure skating champion Alysa Liu found herself in an unexpected dilemma when the body of a missing teenage girl was discovered in a car registered to d4vd, the artist behind one of her competition routines. The incident, which occurred on September 8, 2024, has forced Liu to change her music selection for upcoming competitions, including the Grand Prix season. Liu, who recently won the World Championships and is poised to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, described the situation as a ‘fresh start.’
The girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, had vanished from Lake Elsinore in 2024, and her body was found after an abandoned car was impounded in Hollywood. The vehicle was registered to d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. Although the Los Angeles Police Department has not officially implicated d4vd in the girl’s death, authorities have confirmed that his home was searched as part of the investigation. His representatives state he is cooperating with the authorities.
Liu’s routine, which included the song ‘This Is How It Feels’ by Laufey and d4vd, was part of her World Championship performance in Boston. The incident has disrupted her preparation for the Grand Prix season, which begins with the Cup of China in October. Liu and her coaches are currently searching for new music to replace the original selection, aiming to ensure her performances are both emotionally resonant and competitively strong.
Liu’s journey to the top of her sport has been marked by both triumph and personal challenges. After stepping away from the sport in 2022, she returned to competition in early 2024, achieving a second-place finish at the U.S. Championships. This marked a notable comeback, as she had previously won the World Championships in 2023 at the age of 15, becoming the youngest U.S. champion in history. Her return to the spotlight has been met with widespread admiration, both for her technical skill and her emotional depth in performances.
Liu’s decision to withdraw from the sport in 2022 was driven by a desire to focus on a normal college life, a shift that many in the skating community described as a necessary break from the intense demands of elite competition. Her return to the sport, however, has been seen as a testament to her resilience and passion for the discipline. The incident with her music now poses an additional challenge, but Liu has expressed that she is willing to adapt, stating that the change will ultimately lead to a stronger and more personal performance.
The case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has drawn significant public attention, with many expressing concern over the circumstances of her disappearance and the location of the body discovery. While d4vd remains a suspect in the investigation, there is currently no evidence linking him to the girl’s death. The case has also sparked discussions about the safety and responsibilities of public figures, particularly those in the entertainment industry, who often find themselves at the center of public scrutiny in such cases.
As Liu prepares for the upcoming Grand Prix season, the focus will remain on her performances and the potential for her to continue her success on the international stage. Meanwhile, the broader implications of the incident—both for her and for the ongoing investigation—will continue to be watched closely by fans and the media alike.