Paranormal Researcher Passes Away Unexpectedly During Annabelle Doll Tour

Paranormal Researcher Passes Away Unexpectedly During Annabelle Doll Tour

A well-known paranormal researcher has died unexpectedly while participating in a tour featuring the infamous "haunted" Annabelle doll, according to the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR).

Dan Rivera, 54, was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, over the weekend for a stop on the "Devils on the Run" tour, TMZ reports. The tour included an exhibition of Annabelle — the allegedly possessed Raggedy Ann doll with a chilling backstory that has fascinated horror fans and paranormal enthusiasts worldwide.

On July 14, NESPR shared the news of Rivera’s passing on Facebook, writing:

“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.”

In a follow-up tribute, the organization noted that Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran and described him as a man of strong faith, whose belief system guided his work and his life.

The Haunted History of Annabelle

Annabelle was on display during the Gettysburg tour stop at the historic Soldier's Orphanage Homestead — a building that once served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. WGAL captured footage of the exhibit, which included a sign explaining the doll’s eerie reputation.

According to lore, Annabelle is believed to have been possessed by the spirit of a young girl. After a series of increasingly disturbing events, renowned demonologist Ed Warren concluded the doll was not haunted by a child’s spirit, but rather something demonic. It was ultimately placed in the Warrens’ Occult Museum for safekeeping.

The sign beneath the display detailed some of the alleged phenomena linked to the doll, including:

• Physical attacks such as "seven psychic scratches"

• A series of motor vehicle accidents

• The death of a motorcyclist who allegedly mocked the doll before a fatal crash

Rivera’s sudden death has left the paranormal community in mourning, with many reflecting on his dedication to educating the public about unexplained phenomena and honoring his legacy as a researcher, veteran, and friend.