Cause of Death Revealed for Paranormal Investigator Whose Body Was Found After Touring with 'Possessed' Annabelle Doll
New England Society for Psychic Research Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator who also served in the U.S. Army, died unexpectedly soon after showcasing the Annabelle doll, which enthusiasts describe as "demonically possessed" Police have said there was "nothing unusual or suspicious" present at the scene In a statement on Thursday, Sept. 4, the Adams County coroner said the cause of death was cardiac-related. A cause of death has been determined for theparanormal investigator whose body was foundin July after an event in Gettysburg, Pa., showcasing the infamousAnnabelle doll. Dan Rivera, a senior lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, died on July 13, one day after an event featuring the purportedly "haunted" toy that has long been featured in horror tales. Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner, said in a statement on Thursday, Sept. 4, that Rivera's cause of death was cardiac-related and was ruled as natural. "Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings. It is also confirmed that Annabelle was not present in the room at the time of his passing," Dutrow said. AJuly 13 reportfrom the Pennsylvania State Police detailed the conditions in which Rivera, 54, was found. "Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]. The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers," the report read. "Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene." Dan Rivera/Instagram Rivera had been with colleagues that morning but said he was feeling sick and was going back to his room, Dutrow previously told PEOPLE, although it wasn't unclear what Rivera may have been ill with. At the time of his death, Rivera was on tour in Gettysburg to show Annabelle, which the New England Society for Psychic Research has described as "demonically possessed." According to the society, Annabelle's origin dates back to 1968, when she was presented to a student nurse as a gift. The nurse allegedly took the doll to her home where she lived with her roommate. "Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle," the society has said. "The two roommates tried to accept the doll's spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent." Husband and wife Ed and Lorraine Warren, who founded the society, removed Annabelle from the home and stored it in a glass box "to contain the evil spirited entity," where it remains today. Annabelle and the Warrens inspired the horror film franchiseThe Conjuring. Harrison Jones, a journalist for the Hanover, Pa.-basedEvening Sun, attended the tour just one day before Rivera's death, telling PEOPLE that "he definitely struck me as a kind and very welcoming person, and my heart breaks for his family and colleagues." Joining a tour group, Jones started taking photos and video footage as Rivera spoke with the visitors before he took them to see the doll. "Mr. Rivera, along with another of NESPR's investigators, Wade Kirby, spoke to the group about Annabelle's history and their experiences working with the doll," he says. "Among those discussions, Mr. Rivera spoke about how he had built the case that Annabelle was in himself, and that he had designed many aspects from the perspective of his faith." Jones says he didn't speak much directly with Rivera, but that the paranormal investigator "did ask me if I got what I needed out of my visit and asked if I had gotten good images during the tour." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On Monday, July 14, while Jones was working on his story about the event, he heard the news that Rivera had died. "It was clear from the prior controversy surrounding the tour that his death was going to immediately cause intense controversy and become his own part of paranormal legend no matter what was said," Jones told PEOPLE. "But in my own reporting I was mainly concerned with trying to focus on the human life lost at the center of this tragic news, Mr. Rivera, who had dedicated so much time and effort in sharing his love for the paranormal." Dutrow, the coroner, later confirmed to PEOPLE on Friday, July 18, that Annabelle was not in the hotel room when he arrived at the scene upon notification of Rivera's death. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the New England Society for Psychic Research remembered Rivera as not only a "vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend." "Dan's passion for the paranormal was rooted in a genuine desire to educate, help, and connect with others — whether through social media, conventions, or investigations with local families seeking understanding and peace," the society wrote. "We understand that Dan's work inspired fascination and curiosity for many, but above all, he was a father, devoted husband, and loyal friend, someone who meant the world to those closest to him. Out of respect for his family, we kindly ask for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss." Read the original article onPeople
Cause of Death Revealed for Paranormal Investigator Whose Body Was Found After Touring with 'Possessed' Annabelle Doll New England S...
