A veteran paranormal investigator has died while on tour with the so-called “possessed” Annabelle doll—yes, the one that inspired The Conjuring.
Dan Rivera, 54, was found dead in his hotel room during a stop on the Devils on the Run tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
He had reportedly told colleagues he was feeling unwell that morning before heading back to rest. Hours later, hotel staff discovered him unresponsive.
He Brought Annabelle on Tour — and Never Made It Home
Rivera’s death occurred on July 13 while he was touring with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), the group originally founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Rivera was found in his hotel room in Straban Township after he failed to rejoin the group. EMS records confirm CPR was attempted, but he was declared dead at the scene. Authorities say there were no signs of foul play, and autopsy results are pending.
The tour was being hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg, with stops at historic haunted sites including the Soldiers National Orphanage. Rivera had been part of NESPR for over a decade.
Facing Demons for a Living — and Loved Every Second
Rivera wasn’t just another ghost-chasing content creator. He served in the U.S. Army, studied the rites of Santeria, and built a reputation as a serious investigator with deep knowledge of spiritual rituals.
He also helped produce viral TikToks about Annabelle and consulted on the Netflix show 28 Days Haunted. According to NESPR, his passion was rooted in helping families find clarity during supernatural events.
In a statement, the group described Rivera as “compassionate, loyal, and deeply dedicated.”
They confirmed all remaining tour events will proceed in his honor.
Annabelle: Gifted in 1968, Cursed Ever Since
The original Annabelle doll was given to a nursing student in 1968, who later claimed it behaved strangely.
After consulting a psychic, the student believed it was inhabited by a spirit named Annabelle. But Ed and Lorraine Warren concluded it was not a child spirit—but a demonic entity using deception.
The doll has since been sealed in a protective glass case and is now a fixture of paranormal legend.
Rivera’s sudden death during this very tour has only deepened the mythology surrounding Annabelle—and reignited public fascination with the real horror behind Hollywood’s version.
