Latest news with #haunted
The Sun
21 hours ago
- The Sun
Shock twist in Annabelle doll handler's sudden death after wild conspiracy blamed US's most infamous ‘haunted' object
A SHOCK twist has been revealed after the sudden death of a paranormal investigator while touring with a 'demonically possessed' doll. Creepy Annabelle has spooked believers for decades - despite the doll being encased in a glass box to 'contain the evil.' 5 5 Dan Rivera, 54, died on July 13 in Pennsylvania while leading a national tour of the allegedly haunted Raggedy Ann doll named Annabelle. The US Army veteran was the lead paranormal investigator of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which announced his 'sudden' death. Rivera had been showing the supposedly haunted doll - which inspired film franchise The Conjuring - across multiple states. At the time of his death he had been visiting Gettysburg, where he was leading the Devils on the Run Tour alongside NESPR colleagues. A Pennsylvania coroner has now confirmed to People that the spooky doll was not in the hotel room where Rivera died. Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner, told the magazine that he didn't notice Annabelle upon his arrival at the scene on July 13. Dutrow also further confirmed that the doll had not been in Rivera's hotel room at all. The coroner told People that hours before he died, Rivera had been with NESPR colleagues. However, he told them he was returning to his hotel room, as he was feeling sick. The Pennsylvania State Police said on July 16: 'Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]. 'Annabelle doll' handler Dan Rivera dies suddenly at 54 while touring with America's most infamous 'haunted' object_4 "The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by workers. 'Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene." Rivera's cause of death has not as yet been revealed. His autopsy results are expected before the end of September. The doll had been given to late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who kept it in their occult museum in Monroe, Connecticut. The chilling tale of "demonic The original doll, which was locked up inside Ed and Lorraine Warrens' Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, was claimed to have unleashed a reign of terror on a group of flatmates in a chain of events that ended in a man's death Annabelle's chilling story began in 1970 when a mum bought the doll from a hobby shop for her daughter, student nurse Donna, as a birthday gift. Donna took the doll back to the flat she shared with her friend Angie and soon began to notice small hand movements, which they explained away. The doll was then claimed to have begun to move around the flat, appearing outside Angie's room after being placed on Donna's bed. Then things took an even more sinister twist. The girls' close friend, Lou, became very nervous around the doll, believing it to be possessed, but the girls dismissed his fears. Then notes written on parchment paper, reading "Help us" and "Help Lou" in a child's handwriting, began to appear around the flat. The girls finally called in a medium, after Donna came home from work to find the doll had 'blood' on her hands. Annabelle was on her usual spot on the bed but red liquid was seeping from her hands. After holding a séance the medium claimed the apartment was built on the site of a field, where a dead seven-year-old girl called Annabelle Higgins had been found many years before. When the doll was brought to the apartment Annabelle's spirit was apparently in the area and she became fond of the doll, opting to possess it. Donna later called in an Episcopal priest named Father Hegan, who suggested they contact occult experts Ed and Lorraine Warren. The couple told the girls the doll was allegedly being manipulated by an "inhuman demonic spirit." Inanimate objects aren't possessed, they said, but spirits can become "attached." The apartment was 'cleansed' by Ed, using a special Episcopal blessing, and the couple took the doll away and housed it in their museum. A few hours after the priest left their museum, he rang the Warrens, claiming his brakes had failed as he turned on to a busy road. He'd been in an accident, his car was written off and he was lucky to have survived. Ed claimed the doll willed his car's brakes and steering to fail, before he stopped it by throwing holy water on it. Worried, the Warrens moved the rag doll in to a glass box at their museum, secured with a special set of prayers. Lorraine Warren later warned visitors against mocking Annabelle. But one man visiting the museum began bashing on her case, calling on her to scratch him if she was real. Ed threw him out, but later heard a chilling tale from his girlfriend. Lorraine recalled: "[The girlfriend] told us that they were both laughing and joking about the doll when the young man lost control of the bike and crashed head-on into a tree.' He was killed instantly and his girlfriend was in hospital for a year. In a lecture given at Rutgers University in 1987, the Warrens claimed that Annabelle could "slash" people's skin with her psychic powers. Ed Warren died in 2006, and Lorraine passed away in 2019, aged 92. The museum closed following her death. The couple's decades of ghost-hunting cases inspired such frightening films as The Conjuring series and The Amityville Horror. Annabelle also has movies in her own name, including Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and Annabelle Comes Home (2019). HAUNTINGS The Warrens founded the New England Society for Psychic Research in Monroe in 1952 to probe suspected hauntings. They investigated more than 10,000 cases in the U.S. and abroad, often writing about their experiences. One such case was that involving the rag doll, with huge black eyes. Lorraine Warren said: "It's not what the doll looks like that makes it scary. It is what has been infused within the doll. Evil." A student nurse who received the Raggedy Ann doll as a gift brought it home where she lived with a roommate, according to NESPR, which is overseen by the Warrens' son-in-law Tony Spera. 5 His in-laws pronounced the doll as being allegedly "demonically possessed." To protect people, they encased it in a glass box to contain the "evil spirited entity," according to the website. A chilling alert displayed on its case says: "Warning: Positively Do Not Open." US TOUR WARNING Rivera, who was mentored by the couple, took ownership of Annabelle after Lorraine's death in 2019, and hoped to continue their work with his research and tour. His sudden death came after the Warren family had to quash conspiracy theory-style claims that the doll had disappeared. Months before the US tour, Rivera had posted on Facebook about embarking on a 'thrilling and terrifying adventure showcasing the most diabolical items from the infamous Warren's Occult Museum.' Spookily, a woman warned him eight weeks ago: 'I don't understand why you guys would put yourself in danger like this, you really should put that doll back. "And Lorraine Warren said it wasn't supposed to be touched or removed under no circumstances.' 5 But another wrote: 'So much superstitious nonsense. Grow up people.' Others said it was a mere 'coincidence' and that 'he didn't die because of a doll.' One woman admonished believers by writing: 'Seriously?! Do you think people are gullible or what?! "I'm sorry this man passed away, but come one, you guys are being silly here.' Dan Rivera's family statement "We as a family are in pieces as we share the news that Dan Rivera has passed away unexpectedly," Sarah Bond Rivera said. "He was the center of this family and a pillar of love and strength. "As a devoted husband, father of four sons, and a staunchly faithful friend, he always had a quiet source of resilience, strength and endless hope. "Daniel carried a light and a brave heart everyday through his life and his work. "We are currently at a loss for words as we process his loss but are extremely thankful for the love, support and respect during this unimaginable time." Source: Facebook. However, one man claimed: 'When Annabelle got to Gettysburg, we went into a huge blackout for 911! "Everyone's phones were going crazy with the notification for 911 being out, and it's just odd that soon as Annabelle got to Gettysburg that happened, then he dies suddenly.' Another agreed, saying: 'On the day the tour started in Gettysburg, PA had a statewide 911 outage. That thing is evil.' One believer added: 'Most haunted doll on earth. "It was warned 'never to remove' the doll [from] where it was stored, and this guy not only moved the doll but took it on a US tour.' Another added: 'The Warrens kept Annabelle locked up for a reason.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annabelle Doll Handler Dan Rivera's Nature of Death Revealed
Originally appeared on E! Online Police do not believe foul play was involved in the death of Dan Rivera, the paranormal researcher who passed away while traveling with the supposedly haunted doll Annabelle. In a Pennsylvania State Police report released July 16, authorities listed the nature of the incident as "death natural." Furthermore, the department said "nothing unusual or suspicious was observed" at the hotel room where Rivera's body was found on July 13. "The decedent was discovered in his hotel room by coworkers," the report stated. "This case is pending autopsy results." His cause of death has yet to be shared. Ghost Hunters' Jason Hawes also does not believe emerging conspiracies that Rivera's death is somehow linked to Annabelle, whose spooky backstory serves as the inspiration behind the popular The Conjuring movies. 'Recently the World lost a good man,' Hawes wrote in a July 16 Facebook post. 'Dan Rivera was an Army veteran, a father of four, a husband, and someone who truly cared about people. What's even harder to see right now are the posts blaming his death on things like the Annabelle doll." Likewise, Ghostly Images of Gettysburg manager Christina Rowand is brushing off speculation that Rivera's death is related to the allegedly haunted Raggedy Ann toy, telling Inside Edition in a July 17 interview, "There is a logical reason for this. Dan has handled this doll for decades. Why now? Could it not just be natural causes?" Rivera had been with the NESPR for more than 10 years when he died. According to the organization, he was a "constant presence" for cofounder Lorraine Warren—who first investigated Annabelle with her demonologist husband Ed Warren in the late '60s and early '70s—before her death in 2019. More from E! Online Coldplay's Chris Martin Shared Remorse Over Affair Joke in Viral Concert Video Chris Hemsworth's Mini-Me Twin Sons Steal Spotlight in Rare Red Carpet Appearance Ghost Adventures' Zak Bagans Was "Very Affected" by Annabelle Doll Before Dan Rivera's Death Calling the unfounded theories "disgusting," he also encouraged people to stop "attacking places like Ghostly Images of Gettysburg," where Rivera and the New England Society of Psychic Research (NESPR) hosted a viewing of Annabelle shortly before his passing. "Dan was a family man, a respected paranormal investigator, and he left this world way too soon," Hawes added. "Let's focus on remembering Dan for who he was." Likewise, Ghostly Images of Gettysburg manager Christina Rowand is brushing off speculation that Rivera's death is related to the allegedly haunted Raggedy Ann toy, telling Inside Edition in a July 17 interview, "There is a logical reason for this. Dan has handled this doll for decades. Why now? Could it not just be natural causes?" Rivera had been with the NESPR for more than 10 years when he died. According to the organization, he was a "constant presence" for cofounder Lorraine Warren—who first investigated Annabelle with her demonologist husband Ed Warren in the late '60s and early '70s—before her death in 2019. "He worked closely with Lorraine Warren and remained by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support," the firm noted in a July 15 statement. "His caring nature and sense of purpose made a deep impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." The NESPR added that they have no immediate plans to cancel the remaining dates in their national tour of Annabelle, who the Warrens deemed to be "demonically possessed." "We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue," the group added in their statement. "We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do." Keep reading for public figures sharing their supernatural experiences. Courteney CoxDemi LovatoJoey KingAriana GrandeOctavia SpencerJennifer AnistonMiley CyrusKeanu ReevesVanessa HudgensHugh GrantBrian Cox For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Screen Geek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Screen Geek
Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera Dies During Annabelle Haunted Doll Tour
The allegedly haunted doll known as 'Annabelle,' that horror fans may recognize from The Conjuring and its follow-ups, was the focus of a ' Devils on the Run Tour ' when the paranormal investigator hosting the tour suddenly died. Dan Rivera, who was only 54-years-old, passed away unexpectedly during the tour. As reported by the NY Post, the US Army Veteran was hosting the tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the time of his death. Firefighters and medics were dispatched to his hotel, and while CPR was performed on Rivera, attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Dan Rivera is said to have been the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research. Additionally, the exact cause of his unexpected death has yet to be confirmed. Fans may have recognized Rivera for being involved with the Travel Channel's Most Haunted Place as a paranormal investigator. He was also a producer for other similar shows including the Netflix series 28 Days Haunted . The New England Society for Psychic Research, aka NESPR, reported that Rivera was one of several members from the organization giving tours surrounding the doll known as Annabelle. The outlet adds that Rivera's 'death came after he finished a three-day sellout stop in Gettysburg from Friday through Sunday.' The tour was hosted by the ' Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours ' at the Soldiers National Orphanage. Prior to its popularity in The Conjuring , which featured a fictionalized version of the doll, Annabelle was a Raggedy Ann doll investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren in the 1970s. In fact, the Warrens founded the NESPR organization as far back as 1952. The doll was eventually placed in the Warrens' occult museum, and it has since been under the ownership of their daughter Judy and son-in-law, Tony Spera, who have toured the doll with their museum in recent years. Dan Rivera is survived by his wife Sarah and four children. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any potential updates regarding the situation as we have them.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Haunting 'final countdown' of Annabelle doll handler before sudden death during 'demonically possessed' toy tour
A veteran ghost hunter who suddenly died while touring the US with the haunted Annabelle doll made a chilling 'final countdown' social media post just days before his passing. Dan Rivera, 54, was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for his Devils on the Run tour - a cross-country event featuring the infamous doll - when he was found unresponsive at his hotel Sunday night. He had built a loyal fanbase through his ghost-hunting work and viral content reviving 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. Just days before the event kicked off, Rivera posted an eerie video of the Annabelle doll promoting the 'final countdown' of the tour. 'On the road this week. GET READY GETTYSBURG. It's the final countdown,' Rivera captioned that video that played along with the band Europe's hit song 'The Final Countdown.' 'GET READY GETTYSBURG! ON THE ROAD THIS WEEK. ITS THE FINAL COUNTDOWN,' the caption continued. The video montage included chilling shots of the 'possessed' doll along with photos of Rivera and his colleagues from the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). Rivera served as a senior lead investigator with the organization and was the one who had been bringing the creepy children's toy across the country. Harrison Jones, a journalist for the local newspaper the Evening Sun, told People he had attended the tour's event at the Soldiers Orphanage Homestead on Saturday - the night before Rivera passed. 'It was quickly clear that Mr. Rivera was a people person as he spoke with the group,' Jones said. 'He was very charismatic and quick-witted. He seemed intent on making sure the group was comfortable and could enjoy themselves.' The journalist described how during the event Rivera explained to guests how he built Annabelle's case himself. 'Mr. Rivera, along with another of NESPR's investigators, Wade Kirby, spoke to the group about Annabelle's history and their experiences working with the doll,' Jones said. 'Among those discussions, Mr. Rivera spoke about how he had built the case that Annabelle was in himself, and that he had designed many aspects from the perspective of his faith.' Rivera had been with colleagues on Sunday morning but was not feeling well and went back to his room, Abrams County Coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed to People. 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. NESPR 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.' The Annabelle doll was made famous back in the 1970s when paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren looked into alleged attacks made by the infamous toy. While they put her in a specially built glass case and warned that she should never be moved, Annabelle is now currently touring the US alongside other items from the Warrens Occult Museum collection as part of the exhibition called Devils on the Run.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- The Guardian
Paranormal investigator dies on US tour with allegedly haunted doll Annabelle
A paranormal investigator who was helping lead a national tour of the allegedly haunted Annabelle doll has suddenly died over the weekend. On Tuesday, the New England Society for Psychic Research announced the 'sudden' death of 54-year-old Dan Rivera, the organization's lead paranormal investigator and an army veteran. Rivera's death occurred on Sunday during his visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was leading the Devils on the Run Tour. As part of the tour, Rivers and other NESPR members were bringing the supposedly haunted Raggedy Ann doll across multiple states. The doll, which was popularized through the 2013 horror movie The Conjuring and its subsequent franchise, was first purchased in 1970 from a hobby store by a mother and given to her daughter, a nursing student, in Connecticut. Annabelle was reported to have moved around on its own, leaving notes and 'psychic slashes' on victims. The doll was subsequently given over to the late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who kept it in their occult museum based in Monroe, Connecticut. Rivera, who said that Lorraine Warren had mentored him, told participants gathered at Gettysburg's Soldiers National Orphanage over the weekend about the precautions he had taken to protect them from the doll's supposed hauntings. 'What Lorraine would say to protect yourself … is to close your eyes and envision yourself in a halo of white light,' Rivera told participants, the Evening Sun reports. In a statement to the outlet, Francis Dutrow, the Adams county coroner, F confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, Rivera's cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy. According to county dispatch scanner archives reviewed by the Evening Sun, firefighters and medical personnel responded to a call at a Gettysburg hotel after 8pm on Sunday 'for a report of CPR in progress on a male patient of Rivera's age'. The coroner's office further added that Rivera's death was not suspicious and that he was found alone in his hotel room, the Evening Sun reports. In its statement online, NESPR mourned Rivera's death, saying: '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.' 'As we navigate the days ahead, we want to share that 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,' the organization added. The Guardian has sought a comment from Rivera's family.
