Annabelle tour will CONTINUE as planned after 'evil doll' expert Dan Rivera died of 'natural causes' at age 54
Dan Rivera, 54, was in Gettysburg for the Devils on the Run Tour - a chilling cross-country event featuring the infamous doll - when he was found unresponsive at his hotel Sunday night.
On Wednesday morning, authorities revealed that he died from 'natural causes' and that there was 'nothing unusual or suspicious observed at the scene,' according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), where Rivera served as a senior lead investigator, announced in a Tuesday evening press release that they will resume the tours previously scheduled events, believing it's what the veteran ghost hunter 'would have wanted.'
'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,' the statement said, referring to the legendary paranormal investigators who kept Annabelle their private occult museum.
'We will carry his spirit in us in everything we do.'
Rivera had built a loyal fanbase through his ghost-hunting work and viral content featuring the eerie legends of Annabelle and other cursed relics.
His final stop - in Gettysburg, a Civil War town long said to be haunted - was completely sold out.
On Sunday night, Rivera was alone in his hotel room by coworkers.
The coroner was called to the scene shortly after first responders and later confirmed that Rivera's death was not considered suspicious.
Results from the routine autopsy could take between 30 and 60 days to complete.
Since news of his death spread, the internet has erupted into an international firestorm of speculation - with many pointing to the Annabelle doll, which Rivera frequently handled, as the cause of his sudden and unexplained passing.
NESPR responded to the wave of controversy in their statement.
'We understand that Dan's work inspired fascination and curiosity for many,' it read.
'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.'
Jason Hawes, star of SyFy's 'Ghost Hunters,' also spoke out in a Facebook post, condemning those who placed blame on the Annabelle doll.
'What's even harder to see right now are the posts blaming his death on things like the Annabelle doll and attacking places like Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours and other locations for having events,' Hawes wrote. 'That needs to stop.'
'Let's focus on remembering Dan for who he was, not turning his death into some made up bulls*** story to get clicks or attention,' he added.
'Honor the man. Forget the garbage.'
The Raggedy Anne Doll's paranormal legend dates back to the 1970s, when it was apparently given as a gift to nurse in Hartford, Connecticut, before beginning to exhibit disturbing behavior.
Annabelle was thought to be possessed by the spirit of a dead child and was said to move on its own, leave terrifying handwritten notes and even allegedly attacked someone.
Due to the popularity of the story and subsequent film franchise, the real Annabelle doll was removed from its secure case and included in the Devils on the Run tour, which began in May.
Three more events are scheduled for the remainder of the year - one featuring Annabelle in September in Maine, another promising to 'redefine the paranormal experience' in October in Illinois, and a 'ScareFest Weekend' also in October in Kentucky.
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