Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera, 54, Dies Amid Annabelle Doll Tour
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Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, best known for hosting the national tour of the original Annabelle doll popularized by The Conjuring franchise, died unexpectedly at age 54 following an appearance in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) confirmed Rivera’s passing in a July 14 Facebook post by lead investigator Chris “Jeek” Gilloren, calling the loss “deeply saddening” and noting that Rivera’s kindness and dedication had left a lasting mark on colleagues and the public. According to Gilloren, Rivera devoted his life to sharing firsthand paranormal encounters and educating audiences about unexplained phenomena.
Official records viewed by USA Today indicate that the Adams County Coroner’s office currently lists the cause of death as “pending.” Local dispatch logs show that emergency personnel were summoned to a Gettysburg hotel late on July 13 after hotel staff reported a man in need of CPR. Rivera, who had been hosting an evening event for NESPR’s Devils On The Run Tour, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have offered no further details as the investigation remains in its early stages.
The feature attraction of Rivera’s tour stop was the original Annabelle doll, held in a glass case at the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut. Ed and Lorraine Warren, founders of NESPR, first publicly investigated the doll in 1968 after a nursing student and her roommate reported unsettling incidents involving the Raggedy Ann toy. The couple concluded the doll was “demonically possessed” and placed it in secure containment to prevent further harm. NESPR’s official website recounts how the doll allegedly caused misfortune, injuries, and even deaths for those who disregarded the Warrens’ warnings.
The Devils On The Run Tour promises visitors a “chilling experience” with artifacts like Annabelle, framed by live commentary from experts such as Rivera. Attendees have reported inexplicable temperature drops and odd sounds during past shows, amplifying the doll’s eerie reputation. Rivera’s role extended beyond narration; he conducted on-stage rituals and provided in-depth context about the Warrens’ original investigations.
Rivera brought over a decade of paranormal research and field work to the tour. A Connecticut native and U.S. Army veteran, he credited early childhood encounters in his family home with igniting his passion for the unknown. His NESPR biography highlights his expertise in Santería rites and rituals—an Afro-Caribbean faith blending Yoruba traditions with Catholic influences. Data from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom indicates that roughly 70 percent of Cubans practice Santería or related traditions, underscoring Rivera’s depth of knowledge in transcontinental spiritual customs.
Rivera’s sudden death has reverberated through the paranormal community, prompting discussions about safety protocols for live exhibits of allegedly malevolent objects. While fans and fellow investigators mourn his loss, the unanswered questions surrounding his final hours only deepen the mystery. As investigators continue their work, the paranormal world braces for new revelations in this tragic chapter. Stay tuned for more spectral insights on this developing story.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, USA Today, New England Society for Psychic Research website
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
