Latest news with #ScareFestWeekend17
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Annabelle tour to continue after Dan Rivera's sudden death: 'The show must go on'
The paranormal community just got hit with a gut punch—Dan Rivera, the guy who wrangled the Annabelle doll and dove headfirst into all that spooky research, passed away out of nowhere in Gettysburg on July 13, 2025. People are seriously shaken up about it. Though the event is heartbreaking, the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) has verified that the 'Devils on the Run' tour will proceed as planned, honoring Rivera's legacy and dedication to the paranormal community. Rivera's final tour stops Rivera, 54, was found unresponsive in his hotel room following a sold-out weekend event featuring the haunted Raggedy Ann doll. According to Pennsylvania State Police, there was 'nothing unusual or suspicious' at the scene, and autopsy results are pending. Rivera had just completed a show at the Soldiers National Orphanage, where he was seen joking with guests and emphasizing safety precautions around the doll. 'We believe Dan would have wanted the work to continue' In a statement to TMZ, NESPR said, 'Although we do not know what the future of NESPR will look like without Dan, we do plan to move forward with the events previously scheduled for this year.' '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.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lợi ích khi giao dịch CFD Bitcoin IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Rivera had been mentored by Lorraine Warren, co-founder of NESPR, and was instrumental in organizing the national tour that brought Annabelle to haunted sites across the U.S. Upcoming tour dates Despite Rivera's passing, the Annabelle doll will continue to make appearances at major paranormal events on Sept 6–7, 2025: Maine Paranormal & Horror Convention, Augusta Civic Center, Maine, Oct 4, 2025: Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo, Illinois and Oct 17–19, 2025: ScareFest Weekend 17, Lexington, Kentucky. The doll, typically housed at the Warrens' Occult Museum in Connecticut, is being transported under strict protocols, including a sealed case with crosses and holy water—designed by Rivera himself. Paranormal community reacts While some netizens speculated that Annabelle's 'curse' played a role in Rivera's death, leading figures in the paranormal world have pushed back. Jason Hawes, star of 'Ghost Hunters,' wrote: 'Honor the man. Forget the garbage. His family shouldn't have to read that kind of nonsense while they're grieving.' NESPR echoed the sentiment, asking for privacy and respect for Rivera's loved ones.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annabelle doll handler Dan Rivera dies while touring US with toy
The real-life Annabelle doll's handler, Dan Rivera, has died at the age of 54, while on tour with the toy. The Connecticut native and paranormal investigator has been the primary caretaker for the Raggedy Ann doll, which is a classic fixture in the horror genre, specifically in The Conjuring film franchise. According to a Facebook post from the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which is hosting Annabelle's tour, Rivera suddenly died while at the event with the doll this past weekend. Rivera was also the lead investigator for NESPR. However, a cause of death has not been released. 'It's with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera,' fellow investigator Chris Gilloren, who's a part of the tour, wrote, alongside a black and white picture of Rivera. Dan Rivera's friends say they're 'still processing' his death (New England Society for Psychic Research / Facebook) '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,' he continued.' Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.' Rivera was a part of a group currently on the Devils on the Run Tour, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and NESPR. According to NESPR's website, the event, held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, this past weekend, was a 'night of paranormal history as the infamous Annabelle doll visits Gettysburg's Haunted Orphanage.' Annabelle the doll will continue traveling throughout the next few months, with her next stop in Augusta, Maine, on September 6 and September 7. She's also expected to be at the Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo in Rock Island, Illinois, on October 4, and ScareFest Weekend 17 in Lexington, Kentucky, which is from October 17 through 19. Rivera's death came after rumors circulated in May that Annabelle had somehow gone missing while in Louisiana. The rumors came after some visitors claimed they didn't see the doll during a tour. In addition, a recent fire at the nearby Nottoway Plantation-turned-Nottoway Resort in White Castle, Louisiana, intensified speculation that there was somehow a connection between Annabelle's supposed disappearance and the blaze. However, Rivera debunked theories that the doll had gone missing in a TikTok video at the time. 'I'm here at the museum right now, and I just wanna show you guys that Annabelle is in the Warrens' Occult Museum,' he said. 'Let's go inside and let's check.' After entering the museum, he walked over to show the doll sitting in a wooden case. 'Annabelle is not missing; she's not in Chicago,' he assured fans. Annabelle first appeared in 2013's The Conjuring before receiving her own spin-off franchise. Annabelle was released in 2014, followed by Annabelle: Creation in 2017 and the latest entry, Annabelle Comes Home, in 2019.
