Dan Rivera, a 54-year-old lead investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), died in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2025, while on the Devils on the Run Tour, which featured the Annabelle doll. In September, the Adams County coroner said Rivera’s known cardiac issues were consistent with the findings and classified his death as natural. The coroner also said the doll was not in Rivera’s hotel room when he died.
Did Annabelle kill Dan Rivera?
No. The coroner’s findings do not establish a connection between the doll and Rivera’s death. Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow said Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues “which were consistent with the findings,” and ruled the death natural. Dutrow also confirmed that the doll was not in Rivera’s hotel room at the time.
Early reports in July said the cause was undetermined while an autopsy was pending. That was the status at the time; the later coroner findings, reported by the Los Angeles Times on September 5, 2025, provide the updated account. The available reporting does not support claims that the doll or the tour caused his death.
How did Dan Rivera die?
Rivera died on July 13, 2025, in Gettysburg while traveling on the Devils on the Run Tour. When The Guardian reported the death on July 16, the coroner had not yet determined the cause, and the death was not considered suspicious. In September, Coroner Dutrow said Rivera’s cardiac history was consistent with the findings and classified the death as natural.
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#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed
- Dimensions: 30" H x 12" W x 6" D
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Material: Plastic, synthetic hair, fabric
- Care: Spot clean
Was the Annabelle doll in the room?
No. The coroner confirmed that Annabelle was not in Rivera’s hotel room when he died, according to the Los Angeles Times. Rivera’s death occurred during a tour that included the doll, but that timing does not establish that he was handling it or that it played any role in his death.
Who was Dan Rivera?
Rivera was 54 and served as a lead paranormal investigator with NESPR. The Guardian identified him as an Army veteran. NESPR announced his death on July 14, 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Rank #2
- 18" tall doll has soft body, molded vinyl head, hands and feet
- Doll wears an ivory satin gown with red waist sash and ribbon rosette
- Hair is styled in 2 long braids
What is the Annabelle doll?
News reports identify Annabelle as a Raggedy Ann doll associated with stories of paranormal activity. Accounts that it is haunted are claims attributed to the Warrens and other storytellers, not independently established evidence about Rivera’s death. Scripps News also described the doll’s reported identity and NESPR’s confirmation of Rivera’s death in its July 2025 report.
The Annabelle character became widely known through The Conjuring films, which dramatize the subject. That fictional portrayal is separate from the historical doll and from the coroner’s account of Rivera’s death.
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Rank #4
- This plush is approx. 7" x 3" x 12" in size
- Made from the highest-quality materials so the fun never ends
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- These plush figures are lovingly crafted with attention to detail and have vintage-inspired clothing!
- This plush contains small parts that are suitable for ages 18 months and older
Rank #3
- The Conjuring Universe 8 Clothed Action Figure Annabelle
- Officially licensed product
- Color: Multicoloured
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