Cause Of Death Revealed For CT Paranormal Researcher Involved With Annabelle Doll

CONNECTICUT — A state-based paranormal researcher, Dan Rivera, known as one of the handlers of the famous Annabelle doll, died in July from natural causes.

Francis Dutrow, coroner with the Adams County Coroner’s office in Pennsylvania, announced Thursday that Rivera’s death has been determined to be cardiac-related.

“Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings,” Dutrow said, in a press release announcing the autopsy results. “We extend our condolences to Mr. Rivera's family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Rivera passed away on July 13, 2025, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He had been a senior lead investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research, or NESPR. At the time, he had been participating in NESPR’s “Devils on the Run Tour,” in which the famous Annabelle doll appeared at an event in Gettysburg.

In Thursday’s press release, Dutrow noted, “It is also confirmed that Annabelle was not present in the room at the time of his passing.”

Rivera was born and raised in Bridgeport, and he has been involved in paranormal research for about a decade, according to his IMDb biography.

The reportedly haunted doll has historically been kept at the Warren's Occult Museum in Monroe, which was founded by the famous late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The couple and the doll have inspired multiple horror films, ranging from “Annabelle” to “The Conjuring.”

NESPR, in a lengthy press release issued shortly after Rivera’s death, noted that Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran, father, devoted husband, and loyal friend.

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