Paranormal investigator dies while hosting 'Annabelle' doll tour
A paranormal investigator died while showcasing Annabelle, the purported haunted doll that inspired entries in The Conjuring horror franchise.
In a statement on July 15, the New England Society for Psychic Research confirmed the passing of its senior lead investigator Dan Rivera, saying that he died on July 13. He was 54.
"We are heartbroken and still processing this loss," they said. "Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal."
"His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time," they added.
In another statement on July 16, the NESPR said Rivera's 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 said.
The organization said that though it doesn't know what the future looks like without Rivera, it intends to move forward with its events that were previously scheduled this year.
"We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue," it said.
News outlet The Evening Sun reported that Rivera was in the middle of the "Devils on the Run Tour" with NESPR members in Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, bringing Annabelle across various sites.
But past 8 p.m. of that fateful Sunday, firefighters and medical personnel had been called to a hotel in Gettysburg for a report of CPR in progress on a male patient of Rivera's age.
According to the Adams County Coroner's Office, Rivera's death didn't look suspicious. He was also found alone in his room.
The cause of his death remains pending to date and could take several months, the office said.
According to the NESPR website, Rivera was involved in paranormal research and investigations for over a decade.
Born and raised in Bridgeport in Connecticut, "at an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home."
Rivera was also an army veteran and was "an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria."
According to EW, Annabelle's origins date back to 1968. It's one of the most famous cases taken on by the NESPR founders, Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Warrens' careers and case files inspired The Conjuring (2013), which led to sequels The Conjuring 2 (2016) and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). The franchise also includes prequels Annabelle (2014), Annabelle: Creation (2017), and Annabelle Comes Home (2019). It also has spiritual prequels in The Nun (2018) and The Nun II (2023).
The franchise, dubbed The Conjuring Universe, got a Guinness World Record for being the highest-grossing horror film series at the global box office, making over $2.2 billion across its eight entries as of Feb. 27, 2024.
