Annabelle is once again in the headlines, as the cause of death for its tour host has been revealed. The doll left the internet ablaze first with speculations about its disappearance and then with allegations of an alleged role in the demise of the man touring with her. For the unversed, it was in July 2025, when Dan Rivera was found dead in a hotel room, after he was on the road with the ragged doll for the Devils on the Run tour, which had been taking the possessed doll on a tour of America. However, after months of speculation, the reason behind his demise has finally been revealed.
Dan Rivera’s cause of death revealed
It was on September 4, 2025, when Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed the cause of Dan Rivera’s demise. For the unversed, Dan was found dead in a Gettysburg hotel room on July 13, 2025. He was part of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which owns the ruggedy doll. The group was leading the Anne doll on a tour across the U.S. when Dan died. Talking about the sudden demise, Francis shared:
“Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings.”
Annabelle had nothing to do with Dan Rivera’s demise
The reports have further clarified that Annabelle had nothing to do with Dan Rivera’s demise; in fact, the doll was not even in the room when Dan passed away. For those who are not aware, Dan’s death had sparked a debate around Annabelle being the reason for his demise. Shortly after Rivera’s death, Ghost Hunters star Jason Hawes took to Facebook to vent his frustrations over the rumours. He stated:
“Dan was a family man, a respected paranormal investigator, and he left this world way too soon. Let’s focus on remembering Dan for who he was, not turning his death into some made-up bull*** story to get clicks or attention.”
Dan Rivera passed away on July 13, 2025
Paranormal investigator, Dan Rivera, was found dead at a hotel while on a tour showcasing the possessed Raggedy Ann doll named Annabelle. The 54-year-old was a senior lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research. According to The Evening Sun, he died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during his visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of the Devils on the Run tour.
According to Adams County dispatch records, an emergency 911 call was made on the night of July 13, 2025, and an emergency crew responded to a Gettysburg hotel where CPR was reportedly administered on a male of Rivera’s age. However, it was on July 14, 2025, when the organisation confirmed that the deceased was no other than the senior investigator, Dan, via a Facebook post and stated:
“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.”
Dan Rivera’s cause of death has been revealed. What are your thoughts on his demise?
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