Paranormal Investigator, 54, Dies Suddenly While Touring With the Infamous Annabelle Doll

This is the story of Dan Rivera, a 54-year-old paranormal investigator whose sudden death during a tour with the infamous Annabelle doll has left many in shock.

What happened during his final moments in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania? Let’s explore the details of this unsettling event.

Paranormal Investigator’s Death: A Life Dedicated to the Paranormal

Dan Rivera was no stranger to the supernatural. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he served in the U.S. Army before diving into paranormal research for over a decade.

As a senior lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), Rivera was passionate about educating people on the unexplained.

He was mentored by Lorraine Warren, a famous paranormal investigator whose work inspired The Conjuring films. Rivera’s charisma and knowledge made him a beloved figure, often seen in viral TikTok videos showcasing haunted objects, including the notorious Annabelle doll.

His mission was to share the history of these artifacts while ensuring safety, using protective measures like a glass case with crosses and holy water for Annabelle.

The Annabelle Doll and the Tragic Tour

The Annabelle doll, a Raggedy Ann doll believed to be possessed, became famous through The Conjuring franchise. According to NESPR, the doll’s eerie history began in 1968 when it reportedly caused strange events for a nursing student.

Ed and Lorraine Warren later took it to their Occult Museum in Connecticut, locking it in a glass case to contain its supposed dark energy. Rivera was part of the “Devils on the Run” tour, which brought Annabelle to various U.S. cities, including a sold-out event in Gettysburg from July 11-13, 2025.

The tour drew huge crowds, with over 1,260 attendees in Gettysburg alone, but it ended in tragedy. On July 13, emergency services were called to a Gettysburg hotel where Rivera was found unresponsive. Despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead. The cause of his death is still unknown, pending an autopsy.

A Community in Mourning

The paranormal community is reeling from Rivera’s loss. NESPR shared their grief in a statement, saying, “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him.”

Tributes poured in on social media, with fans and colleagues remembering Rivera as a caring husband, father, and friend. Some expressed fears about the doll’s curse, with comments like “Put her back in the box!” circulating online.

Despite these superstitions, there’s no evidence linking Annabelle to Rivera’s death. The tour’s future is uncertain, with upcoming stops planned in Maine and Illinois. For now, the focus remains on honoring Rivera’s legacy as a dedicated investigator who brought the paranormal to life for many.

You might also want to read: Annabelle Isn’t Missing—She’s Just Not in Chicago (Yet)