Dan Rivera, the paranormal investigator who died in July while on tour with the infamous Annabelle doll, died from cardiac-related causes, according to the Adams County coroner. Rivera, 54, was found dead in a hotel room in Straban Township, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2025.
Coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed to People that Rivera's death has been ruled natural, citing a known history of cardiac issues. Dutrow also stated that the Annabelle doll was not present in the room at the time of Rivera's passing.
Rivera was part of a tour organised by the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). Fellow investigator Chris Gilloren paid tribute on NESPR's Facebook page, describing Rivera as a close friend and partner who was passionate about educating people on the paranormal.
The Annabelle doll, a Raggedy Ann doll with red yarn hair, inspired the film series including 'The Conjuring' and the 'Annabelle' trilogy. In May, rumours circulated that the doll had gone missing in Louisiana. Last month, comedian Matt Rife and YouTuber Elton Castee announced they had purchased Warren's Occult Museum, which houses the doll, and will serve as its legal guardians for at least five years.
