The cause of death has been disclosed for a paranormal investigator who passed away while traveling across the country with the notorious and supposedly haunted ‘Annabelle’ doll. It has been reported as ‘cardiac issues’.
Dan Rivera, aged 54, died unexpectedly on July 13 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during his well-known and fully booked ‘Devils on the Run Tour’.
According to the Evening Sun, emergency services hurried to Rivera’s hotel after he completed the show. They reached around 8pm and attempted to perform CPR.
Despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him, Rivera was unfortunately declared dead at the scene. He was a father of four.
Rivera gained recognition for his appearances on Travel Channel’s widely known Most Haunted Places.
A former member of the US army from Bridgeport, Connecticut, he also worked as a producer on various shows, including Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted.
Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner, announced on Thursday (September 4) that Rivera’s death was attributed to cardiac causes and was deemed 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,” the coroner mentioned.
A report from Pennsylvania State Police provided details on the circumstances of Rivera’s discovery in July.
“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 noted.
“Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene.”
Following the confirmation of the investigator’s death, Rivera’s family released a heartfelt statement on Facebook.
“We as a family are in pieces as we share the news that Dan Rivera has passed away unexpectedly,” their message began.
They continued: “He was the center of this family and a pillar of love and strength.
“As a devoted husband, father of four sons, and a staunchly faithful friend, he always had a quiet source of resilience, strength and endless hope. Daniel carried a light and a brave heart everyday through his life and his work.
“We are currently at a loss for words as we process his loss but are extremely thankful for the love, support and respect during this unimaginable time.”
In his final years, Rivera was the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) after establishing a career in television.