- By Sakshi Srivastava
- Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A paranormal investigation tour turned tragic over the weekend when renowned investigator Dan Rivera, 54, died suddenly while touring with the infamous Annabelle doll—an artifact long believed to be demonically possessed. Rivera, a lead figure with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), collapsed at his hotel in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 13, shortly after completing a three-day event as part of the "Devils on the Run Tour."
Emergency responders were called to the scene at a Gettysburg hotel after reports of CPR in progress. Despite their efforts, Rivera was pronounced dead on-site. According to the Adams County Coroner's Office, the death does not appear suspicious, and Rivera was found alone in his room. The exact cause remains under investigation.
The Gettysburg stop, held at the Soldiers National Orphanage and hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg, was a sold-out event and part of a nationwide tour showcasing haunted artifacts, with Annabelle—the raggedy Ann doll said to be demonically possessed—at its eerie center. NESPR confirmed the death via social media, expressing shock and grief over the loss of their colleague. “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him,” the group said.
A Life Dedicated To The Paranormal
Born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Rivera was a US Army veteran who turned his lifelong fascination with the supernatural into a second career. He became a respected figure in the paranormal world, known for his appearances on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and as a consulting producer on Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. Rivera also played a key role in expanding NESPR’s digital footprint, producing viral TikTok content about the tour that garnered millions of views.
His passion for the field stemmed from personal childhood experiences with the unexplained. He was also known for his deep understanding of Santería rituals, further cementing his reputation as a thoughtful and well-researched investigator. His death has sent shockwaves through the paranormal community and among fans who followed the eerie journey of the Annabelle doll across the country.
The Doll That Inspired Horror Legends
Annabelle's chilling reputation dates back to 1968 when a nursing student claimed the doll, gifted to her, began displaying terrifying behavior—moving on its own, following people, and even allegedly causing physical harm. The doll was later investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren, founders of NESPR and inspiration for The Conjuring film series. Declaring the doll demonically possessed, the Warrens secured it in a glass case inside their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, where it remains to this day.
In recent years, Annabelle has continued to draw headlines—from being linked by conspiracy theorists to fires and prison breaks, to becoming the centerpiece of the NESPR’s national tour. Rivera was instrumental in bringing that dark legacy to the public eye.
As NESPR and Rivera’s colleagues mourn the unexpected loss, the future of the “Devils on the Run” tour remains uncertain. Tickets for upcoming stops were still available at the time of reporting, though many now question whether Annabelle’s presence will be welcomed—or feared more than ever.
