Paranormal Expert, Linked With the Annabelle Doll's Haunting, Passes Away at 54 Years Old
Dan Rivera, a renowned paranormal investigator and key handler of the infamous Annabelle doll, tragically passed away at the age of 54 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the NESPR's "Devils on the Run Tour" in July 2025[1][2][3].
### Cause of Death Rivera was found unresponsive in his hotel room by colleagues after completing a sold-out event on the tour featuring haunted artifacts, including Annabelle[2]. First responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive him. Pennsylvania State Police indicated that the death is not suspicious, and an autopsy is pending at the time of reports. Specific medical cause details have not been publicly disclosed[1][2].
### Life and Career as a Paranormal Investigator - Rivera was a longtime member and lead investigator of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), an organization dedicated to paranormal studies[1][2]. - He was a U.S. Army veteran, husband, and father of four, grounded in his faith in God[1][2]. - Rivera worked closely with Lorraine Warren, part of the renowned paranormal investigator couple known for their work on the Annabelle doll and other haunted cases[1]. - His passion for the paranormal was driven by a genuine desire to educate, help, and connect with others; he was remembered as a compassionate and dedicated investigator who inspired fascination and curiosity about the paranormal[1][2]. - Rivera appeared on paranormal TV shows such as the Travel Channel’s *Most Haunted Places* and consulted on Netflix’s *28 Days Haunted*[2].
### Role with the Annabelle Doll - Rivera was one of the official handlers of the Annabelle doll, a supposedly demonically possessed Raggedy Ann doll originally owned in the 1970s, which gained infamy through the Warrens’ museum and inspired movies like *The Conjuring* and *Annabelle*[1]. - As a handler, Rivera was responsible for transporting and showcasing the doll at paranormal conventions and tours, taking extensive precautions including the use of blessed gloves to manage the artifact[3]. - The Annabelle doll is considered one of the most infamous haunted artifacts, with stories and warnings around its dangerous supernatural history[1][3].
### Legacy Dan Rivera’s sudden death saddened the paranormal community and those who knew him personally. NESPR and colleagues remembered him as a devoted father, loyal friend, and an inspiring paranormal investigator who took his responsibilities seriously, especially in handling objects with legendary haunted reputations such as Annabelle[1][2].
In summary, Dan Rivera died unexpectedly at age 54 during a paranormal tour with the Annabelle doll. His career was marked by deep dedication to paranormal research, close ties with notable figures like Lorraine Warren, and a commitment to safely handling one of the most notorious haunted objects known to the public[1][2][3].
Rivera is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their four children. The cause of Rivera's death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
The sudden passing of Dan Rivera, a renowned paranormal investigator and handlers of the infamous Annabelle doll, triggered an outpouring of grief within the supernatural community, as his legacy spanned beyond haunted artifacts into the realm of pop-culture and lifestyle, capturing the attention of entertainment enthusiasts and celebrities worldwide. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Rivera's dedication to paranormal studies, his connections to prominent figures in the field, and his unwavering commitment to maintaining a strong connection between the public and the enigmatic world of the paranormal, will undoubtedly cement his status as an enduring icon in the entertainment industry as well as the annals of pop-culture history.
