Paranormal Investigator Dies at 54 After Touring ‘Possessed’ Annabelle Doll

Dan Rivera, 54, an Army veteran, worked on paranormal research and investigations for over 10 years

Dan Rivera.Credit : Dan Rivera/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research, reportedly died on July 13 during a tour in Gettysburg, Penn., showcasing the “demonically possessed” Annabelle doll
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed
“Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal,” the society wrote in a statement

A paranormal investigator died at a hotel while on a tour showcasing a supposedly “possessed” Raggedy Ann doll named Annabelle.

Dan Rivera, 54, a senior lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, died on Sunday, July 13, during his visit to Gettysburg, Penn., as part of the Devils on the Run tour, the Evening Sun reported.

According to Adams County dispatch records, emergency crews responded to a Gettysburg hotel where CPR was reportedly administered on a male of Rivera’s age, the paper reported.

The organization also confirmed Rivera’s death on Monday, July 14, in a Facebook post, describing him as a friend and partner.

“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss,” the society said. “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.”

The Gettysburg stop of the Devils on the Run tour was hosted by the tour group Ghostly Images of Gettysburg at the Soldiers National Orphanage, this past weekend, the Evening Sun reported, with final tour stops in September. (Tickets remain on sale.)

Ghostly Images of Gettysburg provided a statement to PEOPLE about Rivera on Tuesday, July 15, which read, “Ghostly Images of Gettysburg was honored to host the nationally renowned ‘Devils on the Run’ tour this past weekend, featuring a legendary artifact and prestigious investigators from the New England Society for Psychic Research. During their visit, the team experienced a profound loss with the unexpected passing of Dan Rivera, NESPR’s lead investigator. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

“Dan was a distinguished figure in the paranormal research community and will be remembered for his kindness and leadership,” the organization continued. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and colleagues. As we mourn the loss of a dear friend, we reaffirm our dedication to preserve the rich history and the paranormal encounters that make Gettysburg extraordinary.”

According to the society’s website, Rivera worked on paranormal research and investigations for over 10 years, adding that he was born and raised in Bridgeport, Conn., and later served in the U.S. Army.

“At an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home,“ his bio read, which also stated that he was an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria.

The cause of Rivera’s death has not been disclosed. PEOPLE contacted the New England Society for Psychic Research, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Adams County Coroner’s Office for additional information on Tuesday.

The Real Annabelle Doll that is located in the Warren’s Occult Museum in Monroe Connecticut.Alamy

Rivera was on tour in Gettysburg to show Annabelle, a Raggedy Ann doll that the New England Society for Psychic Research described as “demonically possessed.”

According to the society, the doll’s origin goes back to 1968, when a student nurse was gifted the doll and brought it to the home where she lived with her roommate.

“Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle,” they wrote. “The two roommates tried to accept the doll’s spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.”

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The organization added that its founders, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called in and determined that Annabelle was possessed. They took the doll from the home and stored it in a glass box “to contain the evil spirited entity.”

The story of Annabelle and the Warrens led to the development of the horror film franchise The Conjuring, the Evening Sun reported.

The newspaper also noted that Rivera helped generate interest for the tour thanks to viral TikToks he co-produced that garnered millions of views. Rivera also served as consulting producer on the Netflix show 28 Days Haunted, according to IMDb.