Paranormal investigator dies suddenly aged 54 while touring US with infamous ‘Annabelle’ doll
Topics: US News, Horror, Ghosts, Connecticut
Liv Bridge
Featured Image Credit: dan_rivera_nespr/Instagram
Topics: US News, Horror, Ghosts, Connecticut
A paranormal investigator has suddenly died while touring the country with the infamous and allegedly haunted ‘Annabelle’ doll.
Dan Rivera, a US Army veteran from Bridgeport, Connecticut, was known for uncovering ghostly goings on, having appeared as a paranormal investigator per Travel Channel's notorious Most Haunted Places.
The 54-year-old also worked as a producer on other shows, including Netflix's 28 Days Haunted.
Tragically, the authorities have now confirmed the investigator died suddenly on Sunday (July 13) while touring with the supposedly demonic doll, Annabelle.
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Rivera was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of his sold-out and controversial 'Devils on the Run Tour' which saw him and other members of his group, New England Society for Psychic Research, bring the doll across the US.
After wrapping up the last stop of the tour in Gettysburg, emergency services scrambled to his hotel, reports the Evening Sun, at around just 8pm on Sunday evening for a report of CPR in progress.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the father-of-four passed away at the scene.
Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow told the outlet that his office is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of his death with the exact cause yet to be confirmed.
This is pending the final results of an autopsy, which could take several months.
In a further statement, the coroner's office personnel said Rivera's death did not appear suspicious at this time and that he was found alone in his hotel room.
Rivera's Gettysburg leg of the tour, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours at the Soldiers National Orphanage, sold more than 1,260 tickets over the weekend from Friday, July 11, through to Sunday.
As the star and lead investigator, Rivera attracted visitors far and wide through his footage on social media and TikTok that amassed millions of views, with particular interest into ghost hunts and the creepy doll.
Fellow paranormal investigator Ryan Buell paid tribute to his buddy, writing on TikTok: "I have so many amazing memories with this guy. Just as recently as two months ago, we traveled around the country and introduced a whole new generation to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s legacy."
The Raggedy Ann doll was allegedly tied to a series of hauntings in 1970 after falling into the care of a Connecticut nursing student called Donna.
She and her roommates claimed it started moving about the room on its own and leaving them sinister notes.
Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators, founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in 1952 and went on to investigate several strange cases, including the Amityville Horror house on Long Island and the Annabelle doll, going on to inspire horror movies like The Conjuring.
They claimed the doll could physically move, follow people and act maliciously, like causing a car crash and stabbing a police officer.
Another psychic medium said the doll had become possessed by the spirit of a dead six-year-old girl - called Annabelle.
The Warrens were convinced it was actually possessed by a demon that was looking to move to a human host.
Rivera, who was mentored by the late Lorraine Warren, was the lead investigator of NESPR at the time of his passing.
In a statement, the NESPR said it was 'devastated' by his death and 'is still coming to terms with this profound loss.'
"Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal and dedicated friend."
Chris from the society also said: "It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera.
"We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. 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."
Rivera is survived by his wife Sarah and four children.