Who was Dan Rivera, the paranormal investigator who suddenly died on an 'Annabelle' doll tour?
Dan Rivera has been making the rounds online since he suddenly died while showcasing Annabelle, the purported haunted doll that inspired entries in The Conjuring horror franchise.
The New England Society for Psychic Research, where he worked as its senior lead investigator, confirmed his death. He was 54.
Rivera passed away in the middle of the organization's Devils on the Run Tour, which has the "demonically possessed" Annabelle doll as one of its key highlights among other dark aspects of paranormal activity. "Despite its seemingly innocent appearance, the infamous Annabelle doll has been the cause of numerous terrifying incidents," the NESPR said in its description of the tour. "The doll has reportedly brought misfortune, injury, and even death to those who have interacted with it improperly."
The paranormal expert was found alone in his hotel room, with authorities noting that his passing didn't look suspicious.
The cause of his death remains unknown. Police said the investigation could take several months.
Who was Dan Rivera?
As stated on the organization’s website, Rivera was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
His interest in the haunted world began when he was a kid, when he started experiencing paranormal events in his own residence.
Rivera later became a US army veteran, but went on to start his own paranormal investigation group after his service.
He was also an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria, which include dancing, drumming, speaking, and eating with the spirits, according to BBC. Such may also include Roman Catholic elements.
Per news outlet The Evening Sun, he spent some time attending lectures from the late world renowned paranormal researcher and ghost hunter Lorraine Warren, who co-founded NESPR with her late husband, self-taught and self-professed demonologist Edward Warren.
Rivera had Lorraine and Ed as his mentors and later began working for NESPR as its lead investigator in 2011.
He likewise enjoyed organizing paranormal conventions like ParaCon as well as the said Annabelle tour. His colleague, paranormal investigator Ryan Daniel Buell, said in a post that the latter had "introduced a whole new generation to Ed and Lorraine Warren's legacy."
Aside from touring with the infamous doll, he was also the one who built its case housing with three crosses representing the Holy Trinity. The Evening Sun reported that it's also stained with holy water.
He appeared in several shows including Travel Channel's Most Haunted Places, where he shared his knowledge and expertise in paranormal research and investigations. He also produced paranormal television series like 28 Days Haunted on Netflix.
Just like his mentors, Rivera also willingly assisted individuals and families that were allegedly haunted in private, according to Buell.
