Who was Dan Rivera? Paranormal investigator dies after 'Annabelle' doll tour — His final night sparks chilling speculation
Nancy Jaiswal | Jul 16, 2025, 18:13 IST
( Image credit : Indiatimes )
Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera passed away during a Gettysburg tour featuring the controversial ‘Annabelle’ doll. He was NESPR’s lead investigator and collapsed at his hotel. His death has sparked renewed discussion within the ghost-hunting community.
Dan Rivera, a well-known paranormal investigator and lead figure at the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), died suddenly during a paranormal tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Rivera, 54, was leading the “Devils on the Run” tour, which included the controversial ‘Annabelle’ doll—an artifact tied to numerous eerie legends and made famous by the Conjuring film series.
News of Rivera’s death was confirmed by NESPR, the organization he represented. According to reports from Adams County emergency services, Rivera collapsed at his hotel on Sunday night. Medical personnel responded and performed CPR at the scene. However, his exact cause of death has not yet been officially released, as noted by the Evening Sun.
A tour with a haunting centerpiece
The “Devils on the Run” tour was hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and included the infamous Raggedy Ann doll, known publicly as ‘Annabelle’. The doll was displayed outside of its usual sealed case during the event.
Ghostly Images issued a statement expressing their condolences and appreciation:
“Ghostly Images of Gettysburg was honoured to host the nationally renowned 'Devils on the Run' tour… The team experienced a profound loss with the unexpected passing of Dan Rivera, NESPR’s lead investigator.”
Annabelle’s paranormal history
The Annabelle doll is said to have been involved in a series of unexplained events during the 1970s. According to NESPR records, it was originally gifted to a student nurse. After experiencing unsettling incidents, she and her roommate believed the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a child named Annabelle. Ed and Lorraine Warren, famed paranormal investigators and NESPR founders, removed the doll and placed it in a sealed glass case at the Warren Occult Museum.
Online rumors and Rivera’s clarification
In May, social media users speculated that Annabelle had been removed from her sealed case at the museum. These rumors were dismissed by Rivera himself, who confirmed that the doll remained secured behind glass.
Dan Rivera’s sudden death during one of his most high-profile tours has left a lasting impact on the paranormal community, bringing renewed attention to both his work and the legends he helped explore.
News of Rivera’s death was confirmed by NESPR, the organization he represented. According to reports from Adams County emergency services, Rivera collapsed at his hotel on Sunday night. Medical personnel responded and performed CPR at the scene. However, his exact cause of death has not yet been officially released, as noted by the Evening Sun.
A tour with a haunting centerpiece
The “Devils on the Run” tour was hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and included the infamous Raggedy Ann doll, known publicly as ‘Annabelle’. The doll was displayed outside of its usual sealed case during the event.
Ghostly Images issued a statement expressing their condolences and appreciation:
“Ghostly Images of Gettysburg was honoured to host the nationally renowned 'Devils on the Run' tour… The team experienced a profound loss with the unexpected passing of Dan Rivera, NESPR’s lead investigator.”
Annabelle’s paranormal history
The Annabelle doll is said to have been involved in a series of unexplained events during the 1970s. According to NESPR records, it was originally gifted to a student nurse. After experiencing unsettling incidents, she and her roommate believed the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a child named Annabelle. Ed and Lorraine Warren, famed paranormal investigators and NESPR founders, removed the doll and placed it in a sealed glass case at the Warren Occult Museum.
Online rumors and Rivera’s clarification
In May, social media users speculated that Annabelle had been removed from her sealed case at the museum. These rumors were dismissed by Rivera himself, who confirmed that the doll remained secured behind glass.
Dan Rivera’s sudden death during one of his most high-profile tours has left a lasting impact on the paranormal community, bringing renewed attention to both his work and the legends he helped explore.
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