Annabelle Doll Handler and Paranormal Investigator Dan Rivera Dies Unexpectedly

A well-known figure in the world of paranormal investigation has passed away while on tour with one of the most infamous haunted objects in history. Dan Rivera, lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) and handler of the real-life Annabelle doll, died unexpectedly over the weekend while traveling with the cursed item in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was 54 years old.

Rivera, a U.S. Army veteran turned ghost hunter, was in town as part of the sold-out “Devils on the Run” tour—a three-day paranormal event that featured stops at several haunted locations, including the historic Soldiers National Orphanage. The chilling attraction allowed attendees to see the legendary Raggedy Ann doll in person—an object at the center of countless supernatural tales and made famous by The Conjuring film franchise.

According to reports from the Evening Sun, first responders were dispatched to a Gettysburg hotel after receiving a call about CPR in progress. Rivera’s cause of death has not yet been released but, the report from Pennsylvania State Police stated that “nothing unusual or suspicious” was observed in Rivera’s hotel room at the time of his death. The case is pending autopsy results, according to the law enforcement agency.

His sudden passing was announced by NESPR colleagues Tony Spera and Wade LeFevre, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their friend and longtime investigative partner.

Rivera’s fascination with the supernatural began after his military service, when he started attending lectures by Lorraine Warren, one-half of the famed husband-and-wife investigative duo behind NESPR. The Warrens, who rose to prominence through their involvement in cases like the Amityville Horror and the Perron family hauntings, eventually brought Rivera into their inner circle. He was named lead investigator for NESPR in 2011, continuing the group’s legacy after Ed Warren’s passing and Lorraine’s retirement.

Despite the Warren Occult Museum closing its doors in 2019 due to zoning issues, Rivera helped bring parts of the collection back to life through touring exhibits. The Annabelle doll—believed by some to be demonically attached—was encased in a custom-built protective box Rivera designed himself. At events, Rivera often explained that the case was fortified with three crosses and stained with a finish containing holy water, a measure he said was taken to shield the public from the doll’s sinister energy.

Rivera had most recently partnered with fellow investigator Ryan Daniel Buell on a national tour showcasing the Annabelle doll and sharing stories of haunted artifacts, spiritual warfare, and unexplained phenomena. The Gettysburg stop had sold out in advance, drawing believers and skeptics alike.

The Annabelle doll is still scheduled to appear at an upcoming paranormal event in Maine this September.

NESPR’s statement said: “As we navigate the days ahead, we want to share that although we do not know what the future of NESPR will look like without Dan, we do plan to move forward with the events previously scheduled for this year.”

Dan’s son, David Rivera, recently shared on social media that a GoFundMe has been launched to help the family with funeral expenses. For those who knew Dan personally or followed his work in the paranormal field and wish to offer support, donations can be made Here.

More updates will follow as details emerge surrounding Rivera’s passing and the future of the Annabelle tour.