Who was Dan Rivera? Paranormal investigator dies after 'Annabelle' doll tour stop in Gettysburg

Halloween At The Amusement Park In Madrid - Source: Getty
Dan Rivera dies at 54. (Image via Getty)

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera passed away on July 13 in Gettysburg. Rivera was reportedly on the Devils on the Run Tour, featuring the famous doll Annabelle. The tour started in May.

The news was announced on the Facebook page of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which is also the organizer of the tour.

"It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera. We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal."

Dan also worked with Lorraine Warren, a famous paranormal investigator who kept the Annabelle doll in their Warrens’ Occult Museum after claiming it was haunted.

The last Devils On The Run tour show was held on July 13, just a day before Dan Rivera passed away. Emergency help was reportedly called that evening to a hotel in Gettysburg, where a 54-year-old man, believed to be Dan, was given CPR.


The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) pays tribute to Dan Rivera

After releasing the statement on Dan Rivera's death, the NESPR released an official press statement giving tribute to the late paranormal investigator. Speaking of his life and achievements, they wrote:

"A U.S. Army veteran, Dan served both his country and the people around him. He worked closely with Lorraine Warren and remained by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support. Dan was a constant presence with Lorraine and NESPR at local events such as An Evening with Annabelle, where his warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression."

They continued:

"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."

According to his bio on the NESPR website, Dan Rivera, who was born in Bridgeport, had been involved in paranormal investigations for over ten years. His journey began after he experienced unexplained events in his own home.

His sudden death has raised questions among fans, with some even wondering if it could be linked to the Annabelle doll.

In May, Annabelle was blamed on social media for burning the Nottoway Plantation after the Devils On The Run tour was kept in New Orleans. Ghost City Tours denied the allegations through the statement:

"We've seen the comments blaming us and Annabelle's visit to our store in New Orleans for the fire, ha (we realize people are joking, we hope). No, Annabelle didn't burn down the Nottoway Plantation. Don't go giving Hollywood any more ideas for horrible movies."

The actual cause of Dan Rivera’s death has not been confirmed and will likely be revealed after the results of the autopsy are released. For now, officials have not shared any further details.

Edited by Vatsala Chauhan