Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera dies while on Tour with 'Annabelle,' an allegedly haunted doll

NBC News

16-07-2025

Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator and a handler of 'Annabelle,' a doll that's rumored to be possessed by evil spirits, has died.
Rivera, 54, died on July 13, 2025 in a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania hotel room, Adams County Chief Deputy Coroner Scott Pennewill tells TODAY.com.
'His death was nothing suspicious,' says Pennewill. 'The coroner's office and the state police were called to the scene on Sunday night ... he did go for an autopsy today and it's pending.'
Pennewill says Rivera's autopsy results will likely be available within 60 to 90 days.
Pennewill tells TODAY.com that the Annabelle doll was not present at the scene and that Rivera was found alone. He says that Annabelle might have been inside a van in the hotel parking lot, although he cannot officially confirm the doll's location.
Rivera's death was announced on Facebook by the 'New England Society for Psychic Research' (NESPR).
'It's with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera,' read a Facebook post by the NESPR. 'We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.'
A spokesperson for the New England Society for Psychic Research did not immediately return an email for comment from TODAY.com.
Rivera was participating in the 'Devils on the Run Tour' hosted by the NESPR, a Connecticut-based paranormal research group founded by Tony Spera, the son-in-law of the late supernatural investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
According to the NESPR, the 'Devils on the Run' tour celebrates the work of Ed and Lorraine Warren and displays Annabelle 'for those brave enough to face her.'
In 1968, the Warrens investigated the case of Annabelle, a red-headed Raggedy Ann doll given to a nursing student, who brought it home, where she lived with a roommate.
'Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle,' states the NESPR website. 'The two roommates tried to accept the doll's spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.'
The Warrens said Annabelle was 'demonically possessed,' according to the NESPR. 'They removed the doll from the house and encased it in a glass box to contain the evil-spirited entity.'
Another famous case handled by the Warrens: A 1971 haunting in Rhode Island that would inspire the film series, 'The Conjuring.' 'Annabelle Rises,' the newest installment, opened in July 2025.
Who is Annabelle?
Annabelle, a wide-eyed clown-like doll, lives in Connecticut in a display case at the Warren Occult Museum, which, according to NBC News, is 'secured by crosses and holy water.'
'The Annabelle doll is probably one of the most infamous dolls on the planet,' NESPR founder Tony Spera told NBC News in May 2025. He added, 'The doll is something to be respected, not revered.'
Back in May, the NESPR clarified baseless rumors that Annabelle had been stolen from her case.
Spera told NBC News of Annabelle doubters:
'In a way, I don't blame people for being skeptical ... If people don't know about the demonic, it's very difficult to believe that these things are happening — but they do happen.'