Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera Didn’t Have Annabelle Doll When He Died

No, the allegedly “possessed” Annabelle doll was not in the hotel room where paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died earlier this week, according to a Pennsylvania coroner.

In a Friday, July 18, message to PEOPLE, Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner confirmed that the doll was not present when he arrived at the scene on Sunday, July 13, when authorities were notified about Rivera’s death. Dutrow went on to note that the doll had not been in the hotel room at all. 

Rivera, a lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, was in Gettysburg. Pa., last weekend with Annabelle as part of the Devils on the Run tour when he died at the age of 54. 

The Pennsylvania State Police shared a report on Wednesday, July 16, detailing what happened.

“Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man],” officials said. “The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers.”

“Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene,” the agency added. His cause of death is pending.

Dutrow earlier told PEOPLE that Rivera had been with colleagues on Sunday morning but said he was feeling sick and was going back to his room. 

It’s unclear what Rivera may have been ill with and further information is pending his autopsy results, which are expected in about 8-10 weeks.

According to the New England Society for Psychic Research’s website, Anabelle’s origin goes back to 1968, when a student nurse was gifted the doll and brought it to the 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 organization wrote. “The two roommates tried to accept the doll’s spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.”

The society added that its founders, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called in and determined that Annabelle was “demonically possessed.” They took the doll from the home and stored it in a glass box “to contain the evil spirited entity.”

The story of Annabelle and the Warrens led to the development of the horror film franchise The Conjuring.

In a statement later shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, July 15, the New England Society for Psychic Research, which first confirmed the death on social media, paid tribute to Rivera. 

“Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend,” they wrote.

“His integrity, creativity, and generosity defined him. 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 continued. 

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“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,” the statement added.

According to a Facebook post by Ryan Buell, the host of A&E’s Paranormal State, Rivera, who was an Army veteran, is survived by his wife and children.