While touring with the haunted Annabelle doll, renowned ghost hunter Dan Rivera collapsed in his hotel room and died. The unexpected tragedy comes amid renewed public fascination with the cursed artifact.
PC Bureau
July 16, 2025: Dan Rivera, a respected paranormal investigator and longtime associate of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), died unexpectedly on Saturday night during a national tour featuring the infamous Annabelle doll, long believed to be haunted. He was 54.
Rivera collapsed in his hotel room after completing a day of presentations at the “Devils on the Run” event in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania — a multi-state tour showcasing artifacts from the late Ed and Lorraine Warren’s Occult Museum. Rivera was the primary handler and spokesperson for the Annabelle doll during the tour.
Sudden and Mysterious Death
Emergency services were called to Rivera’s hotel late Saturday night after he was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been officially determined, and toxicology reports are pending. Local authorities in Gettysburg have launched an investigation, but no foul play is currently suspected.
News of Rivera’s sudden passing has rocked the paranormal community. The NESPR issued a heartfelt statement on social media Sunday morning:
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“Dan was more than a team member — he was family. His passion, respect for the supernatural, and commitment to educating the public made him a beloved figure in the field. He died doing what he loved.”
Who Was Dan Rivera?
Dan Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran, seasoned paranormal researcher, and a key figure in NESPR, the organization founded by famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. He had appeared in several paranormal shows, including “28 Days Haunted” on Netflix and “Most Haunted Places”, and was a recurring guest at horror conventions and ghost tours.
🚨 Dan Rivera, haunted Annabelle doll handler, has died while on tour with the doll in Gettysburg, Pa.
The paranormal world is mourning the sudden loss of Dan Rivera, who passed away at 54 on July 13, 2025, during the “Devils on the Run” tour in Gettysburg, PA. A U.S. Army… pic.twitter.com/ljAGsHYVCr
— BradKat 🐯 (@bradkat70) July 15, 2025
Rivera often gave lectures about the dangers of mocking or mishandling allegedly cursed objects and was vocal about showing reverence for items like Annabelle. He was also known for dispelling internet rumors—for instance, he had previously debunked false viral claims that Annabelle had “escaped” her glass case.
Annabelle: The Doll That Terrified the World
The Annabelle doll, a vintage Raggedy Ann figure, became notorious in the 1970s after the Warrens declared it was possessed by a demonic entity. According to their accounts, the doll caused several injuries and at least one fatal accident before being sealed in a glass case in their Connecticut museum, with warning signs reading: “Do Not Touch.”
Since the death of Lorraine Warren in 2019 and the closure of the physical museum due to zoning issues, NESPR has taken the doll on tour for carefully monitored public viewings. All movement of the doll was previously accompanied by spiritual rituals and protective measures.
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At the Gettysburg event, the doll had been transported and displayed in a secure protective case. It was not handled directly by the public or Rivera onstage. Nevertheless, many fans and spiritualists believe Annabelle’s presence can have psychological or even spiritual impacts.
A Chilling Coincidence or Something More?
While Rivera’s death may ultimately be attributed to natural causes, its timing — occurring during a tour known for showcasing one of the world’s most infamous “haunted” objects — has sparked a wave of speculation online.
Fans and skeptics alike are revisiting his final public statements and photos from the event, some describing a sense of unease or tension in the room during the last panel Rivera led. In one of his last interviews, he had warned:
“Annabelle is not a joke. She’s not a toy. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, respect is key.”
Rivera leaves behind a wife, two children, and a legacy in the paranormal field that spans over two decades.
NESPR Tour Paused
Following Rivera’s death, NESPR has paused all upcoming Annabelle tour events indefinitely. A spokesperson confirmed the doll has been returned to a secure location and blessed by clergy.
As tributes pour in from around the world, many in the community are asking a deeper question: Was this just coincidence — or a warning from something beyond?
