A respected paranormal investigator has passed away while on tour with one of the most haunted objects in history—the infamous Annabelle doll.
According to PEOPLE, Dan Rivera, 54, a senior lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research, died on Sunday, July 13, during the Devil’s on the Run Tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Rivera was in the middle of a tour showcasing Annabelle, the real-life doll that inspired The Conjuring franchise, when tragedy struck.
Dan Rivera’s Life and Legacy in the Paranormal World
Rivera wasn’t just any ghost hunter—he was a leading voice in the world of paranormal investigation. As a senior lead investigator, Rivera spent years educating people about spiritual warfare, haunted objects, and unexplained phenomena. He was also deeply involved in sharing the Warren legacy with the next generation of paranormal enthusiasts.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the New England Society for Psychic Research shared the heartbreaking news:
“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.”
Although the cause of death hasn’t been publicly confirmed, his sudden passing during a tour featuring one of the most feared haunted objects in the world has left the paranormal community—and fans of The Conjuring—deeply shaken.
The Haunted History Behind Annabelle
If you know horror, you know Annabelle. But this ain’t just movie folklore.
The New England Society for Psychic Research, initially founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren, claims Annabelle is no ordinary doll. According to the group, she was gifted to a student nurse back in 1968, and weird things started happening almost immediately. The nurse and her roommate brought in a medium who told them that a young girl’s spirit, named Annabelle, had attached itself to the doll.
The paranormal activity around Annabelle became so intense that the Warrens took her in and sealed her inside a protective glass case, believing she was demonically possessed and capable of causing serious harm.
Her story would later terrify millions as part of The Conjuring Universe, making Annabelle one of the most recognizable haunted objects in pop culture.