What happened to Dan Rivera? Paranormal investigator dies on tour with ‘haunted’ Annabelle doll

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Dan Rivera, the well-known investigator of the supernatural and caretaker of the alleged ‘haunted’ doll, unexpectedly passed away during a tour.

The news breaks out only a few months following the time when the authentic Annabelle doll, whose story spawned a series of The Conjuring spinoff films, made headlines due to speculation that it had vanished during its travels across the United States.

The origins of her background trace back to the late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who alleged that the toy was demonically possessed and confined it within their now-shuttered Occult Museum after their investigation.

Currently, she is under the care of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). Contrary to speculations, she wasn’t responsible for causing chaos during her recent tour. However, a heartbreaking event transpired on July 13, 2025.

What happened to Dan Rivera?

Dan Rivera, the chief paranormal researcher at NESPR, tragically passed away at the age of 54 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 13th, during a tour featuring the genuine Annabelle doll. This unfortunate event occurred over the weekend.

At present, no specific reason for the individual’s passing has been disclosed. However, it’s important to note that, according to The Evening Sun, the incident is not being handled as a case of suspicion at this moment.

At around 8 PM in Gettysburg’s hotel, emergency services received a call due to a situation where CPR was being performed on an individual approximately the same age as Rivera.

The local coroner, Francis Dutrow from Adams County, mentioned to a news source that they are currently performing an autopsy, with results potentially taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

As an ardent enthusiast, I found myself playing a significant role alongside others in the organization of NESPR’s ‘Devils on the Run’ tour, an exhilarating event that showcased the infamous Annabelle doll – rumored to be haunted – at various venues spread across the United States.

In May, when whispers about Annabelle supposedly being lost began, Rivera clarified the situation on TikTok by stating, “Annabelle isn’t missing nor was she ever in Chicago.” Later, Rivera also mentioned they would be resuming their travels shortly.

In New Orleans, strange occurrences began after Annabelle’s arrival: a plantation was mysteriously set ablaze, a criminal managed to break free, a plane met with an accident, a typhoon struck, and a wrestling event was moved. Now, rumors swirl that Annabelle has vanished. Is this tale merely unfolding?

— Tong (@wng1141790) May 24, 2025

With deep sadness, we announce that our dear friend and coworker, Dan Rivera, has tragically passed away on July 15th.

For more than a decade, Dan played an essential role in our team. Beyond his professional contributions, he was an incredibly kind, faithful, and committed companion to Lorraine Warren prior to her demise, as a US Army veteran.

It’s clear that Dan’s work sparked wonder and interest in numerous people, yet what truly defined him were his roles as a loving father, dedicated spouse, and faithful friend. He held immense importance in the lives of those who knew him best.

“Out of respect for his family, we kindly ask for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

The organization went on to say that it will be continuing with the scheduled events for this year.

In our conviction, Dan would’ve undoubtedly supported the continuation of this work – uniting individuals, disseminating wisdom, and preserving the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Tributes pour in for Annabelle doll expert

Upon hearing about Rivera’s demise, the internet has been flooded with baseless accusations towards Annabelle, wrongly linking her to the tragedy. However, the majority of tributes keep flowing in for the devoted paranormal expert.

As a gamer, I’m deeply saddened to share that my comrade, Dan Rivera, our dear friend and partner, has left us suddenly. Tony, Wade, and I are in shock and struggling to come to terms with this profound loss. Our hearts are heavy.

Dan wholeheartedly stood by his conviction of imparting his supernatural encounters and enlightening others about the mysterious realm. His warmth and enthusiasm resonated deeply with anyone fortunate enough to know him. We’re grateful for your compassionate sentiments as we navigate through these challenging moments.

The family, represented by Sarah Bond Rivera, released a statement saying, “We, as a family, are devastated to announce the untimely passing of our beloved Dan Rivera.

He stood as the heart and rock of his family, radiating love and fortitude. As a committed spouse, father to four boys, and an unwaveringly loyal companion, he was a wellspring of resilience, strength, and boundless optimism.

Every day, Daniel embodied courage and illuminated his path with a radiant spirit, both in his personal life and work. As we grapple with our grief over his passing, we are profoundly grateful for the affection, aid, and esteem extended to us during these difficult times.

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2025-07-16 17:49