Who is Dan Rivera’s wife? Sarah Bond Rivera mourns Annabelle doll handler’s passing as new details emerge

Halloween Celebrations At Warner Park In Madrid - Source: Getty
Replica of the doll from the movie 'Annabelle' decoration at the Parque Warner Madrid during the Halloween season on October 27, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Image via Getty)

Paranormal investigator, Dan Rivera, who was married to accountant, Sarah Bond Rivera, is reported to have passed away on Sunday. According to Fox News, Rivera was on the Devil's on Run Tour with the Annabelle doll and other allegedly supernatural objects when he was found unconscious in his hotel room in Gettysburg by the hotel staff, who then called the emergency services.

According to People magazine, a few hours before his passing, Dan Rivera was reportedly feeling unwell, for which he had to retire to his room. A statement released by the authorities stated that no foul play is suspected, although the exact cause of death has not yet been ascertained and will be made public after an autopsy. It read:

"Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man]. 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."

More about Dan Rivera and his family, as paranormal investigator passes away

Dan Rivera was a well-known figure in the paranormal community. According to Fox News, he was an army veteran who had worked with the New England Society for Psychic Research. This research center was founded by renowned paranormal investigators, Lorraine and Ed Warren, in 1952.

Dan Rivera was married to Sarah Bond Rivera, with whom he shares four children. The couple got engaged on January 9, 2015, and on September 19, 2016, they tied the knot. Sarah, who works as an accountant at Kent C Wahlberg, released a statement on Tuesday, mourning the passing of her husband. She said:

"We as a family are in pieces as we share the news that Dan Rivera has passed away unexpectedly. 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."

David Rivera's son, who has set up a GoFundMe page in his honor, also released a statement, saying:

"I have truly been blessed to grow up with Dan Rivera as my father for 25 years. His sudden passing has left us all shaken—he was the pillar of light, strength, and love in our family, and we never imagined losing him so soon. We’ve created a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and provide care for his family and the four children he devoted his life to. Any support means everything to us. From our family to yours, thank you for standing with us during this time and offering love, respect, and care. God bless 🤍🕊️

The New England Society for Psychic Research released a statement mourning his loss, noting that the current tour would continue, adding that this is something they believe Dan would have wanted. The statement read:

"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. 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."

It 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. 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.”

Dan Rivera, who was just fifty-four years old at the time of his death, had previously served as a Consulting Producer on the 2022 Netflix series, 28 Days Haunted.

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Edited by Anshika Jain