Authorities Share New Details About Paranormal Investigator Found Dead After Touring 'Possessed' Annabelle Doll
Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator, died on July 13 during a tour in Pennsylvania, showcasing the "demonically possessed" Annabelle doll
The Pennsylvania State Police said in a report released on July 16 that 'nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene" concerning Rivera's death
"Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend," the New England Society for Psychic Research said in a statement shared with PEOPLEAuthorities in Pennsylvania have offered new details about the paranormal investigator who died suddenly while on tour displaying a supposedly haunted Raggedy Ann doll named Annabelle.
Dan Rivera, 54, a senior lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, died on Sunday, July 13, during his visit to Gettysburg, as part of the Devils on the Run tour, the Evening Sun earlier reported.
On Wednesday, July 16, the Pennsylvania State Police shared a report detailing what happened to Rivera on Sunday.
'Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]," officials said. "The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers.'
'Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene,' the agency added. His cause of death is pending.
According to Adams County dispatch records, emergency crews responded to a Gettysburg hotel where CPR was administered on a male of Rivera's age, the paper reported.
At the time, Rivera was on tour in Gettysburg to show Annabelle, which the New England Society for Psychic Research described as 'demonically possessed.'
According to the society, the doll's origin goes back to 1968, when a student nurse was gifted the doll and brought it to the home where she lived with her 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,' the organization wrote. 'The two roommates tried to accept the doll's spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.'
The society added that its founders, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called in and determined that Annabelle was possessed. They took the doll from the home and stored it in a glass box 'to contain the evil spirited entity.'
The story of Annabelle and the Warrens led to the development of the horror film franchise The Conjuring, the Evening Sun reported.
The newspaper also noted that Rivera helped generate interest for the tour thanks to viral TikToks he co-produced that garnered millions of views. Rivera also served as consulting producer on the Netflix show 28 Days Haunted, according to IMDb.
Rivera's death was previously confirmed by the New England Society for Psychic Research in a social media post. According to the society's website, Rivera worked on paranormal research and investigations for over 10 years, adding that he was born and raised in Bridgeport, Conn., and later served in the U.S. Army.
'At an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home,' his bio read, which also stated that he was an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria.'
The organization later shared a press release with PEOPLE on Tuesday, July 15, paying tribute to their late friend and colleague.
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'The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) is devastated by his passing and is still coming to terms with this profound loss. Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend,' the statement read in part.
'His integrity, creativity, and generosity defined him. Dan's passion for the paranormal was rooted in a genuine desire to educate, help, and connect with others—whether through social media, conventions, or investigations with local families seeking understanding and peace,' the society further added.
'We understand that Dan's work inspired fascination and curiosity for many, but above all, he was a father, devoted husband, and loyal friend, someone who meant the world to those closest to him. Out of respect for his family, we kindly ask for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss,' they continued.
The New England Society for Psychic Research added that it will continue its previously planned events for the remainder of this year, saying: 'We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue—bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and honoring the memory of Ed & Lorraine Warren. We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do.'
The Gettysburg stop of the Devils on the Run tour was hosted by the tour group Ghostly Images of Gettysburg at the Soldiers National Orphanage, this past weekend, the Evening Sun reported, with final tour stops in September. (Tickets remain on sale.)
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