Investigator Daniel Rivera’s Cause of Death Revealed Amid Annabelle Claim

Paranormal investigator Daniel Rivera’s cause of death has been revealed, Us Weekly can confirm.

“The cause of death has been determined to be cardiac-related and is ruled as a natural death,” a September 4 statement from the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, county coroner read. “Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the [autopsy] findings.”

The note concluded, “We extend our condolences to Mr. Rivera’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Rivera died on July 13, 2025, while on the Devils on the Run tour with the Annabelle doll. The figure has long been thought of as “demonically possessed.” Investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren previously claimed that the doll’s history dates back to the 1970s, and a series of unexplainable incidents at the time determined that the toy was inhabited by a demon.

Keep scrolling for more on the circumstances of Rivera’s death — and whether the allegedly haunted Annabelle doll played a factor:

What Was Daniel Rivera’s Cause of Death?

A coroner confirmed in September 2025 that Rivera died following heart issues.

“Mr. Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, which were consistent with the findings,” a statement read.

Was the Annabelle Doll Involved in Daniel Rivera’s Death?

According to the county coroner, the doll was “not present in the room” at the time of Rivera’s death.

Rivera had traveled to Gettysburg, where the doll was on display. The Annabelle toy has a storied history since a nursing student received the Raggedy Ann doll in 1971. She soon noticed the doll changing position on its own or sharing messages asking for help.

Before their deaths, the Warrens primarily kept the doll, which inspired a movie franchise of the same name, locked in a museum on their Connecticut property. (Their son-in-law, Tony Spera, later took over the museum, which is no longer open to the public.)

Have Others Had Spooky Encounters With Annabelle?

Ghost Adventures star Zak Bagans claims to have had a chilling incident with the doll in 2017.

“I did have the opportunity to investigate Annabelle when the owner brought her to my museum,” Bagans exclusively told Us in July 2025. “I got very affected by her, and it kinda caused me to touch the doll. The owner didn’t like that too much.”

According to Bagans, the doll had a “demonic infestation” that “severely” affected him.

“I was literally in the hospital the next day. It was a two-month-long attachment and one of the worst experiences of my life,” he claimed. “I have never seen a doll like this in my life. I brought it to my house that night, and I was projectile vomiting the next morning and had pain in my side.”