Paranormal investigator dies suddenly during tour with Annabelle Doll

At the time of his death, Dan Rivera had been touring with Annabelle.

A senior paranormal investigator died during a tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, showcasing the infamous “possessed” Raggedy Ann doll known as Annabelle.

Dan Rivera, aged 54, a lead investigator with the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), passed away on Sunday, July 13, while participating in the Devils on the Run tour, according to local newspaper the Evening Sun.

Emergency crews responded to a call from a Gettysburg hotel, where CPR was reportedly administered to a man matching Rivera’s age. The exact circumstances and cause of death have not yet been disclosed. PEOPLE confirmed that enquiries have been made to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Office, and NESPR for further information.

The New England Society for Psychic Research officially confirmed Rivera’s death the following day in a post on Facebook. “We are heartbroken and still processing this loss,” the statement read. “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 event, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg at the Soldiers National Orphanage, was part of a national tour that includes final stops in September. Tickets for the remaining dates were still available at the time of reporting.

In a statement provided to PEOPLE on Tuesday, July 15, Ghostly Images of Gettysburg paid tribute to Rivera. “Ghostly Images of Gettysburg was honoured to host the nationally renowned 'Devils on the Run' tour this past weekend, featuring a legendary artefact 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.”

The statement added: “Dan was a distinguished figure in the paranormal research community and will be remembered for his kindness and leadership. 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 NESPR’s official biography, Rivera had been actively involved in paranormal investigations for over a decade. He was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and previously served in the United States Army. His interest in the paranormal stemmed from personal experiences with haunting phenomena during childhood. He was also known for his expertise in Santería rites and rituals.

At the time of his death, Rivera had been touring with Annabelle—the notorious Raggedy Ann doll which the New England Society for Psychic Research claims to be “demonically possessed.”

The doll’s origins date back to 1968, when a nursing student received it as a gift and brought it to the home she shared with her roommate. NESPR recounts that the roommates began to experience strange activity shortly thereafter and were advised by a medium that the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle.

However, according to NESPR, what appeared to be a benign presence quickly revealed a darker nature. “The two roommates tried to accept the doll’s spirit and please it, only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent,” the organisation claimed.

The founders of NESPR, renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, later intervened and determined that the doll was, in fact, possessed. The Warrens took possession of Annabelle and secured it within a specially built glass case housed in their Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, in an effort to “contain the evil-spirited entity.”

The story of Annabelle—and the Warrens’ wider investigations—inspired the Conjuring horror film universe, including several box office hits focused on the doll itself.

Rivera played a significant role in popularising NESPR’s work through social media. He co-produced viral TikTok videos about the tour that amassed millions of views, contributing to growing public interest in Annabelle and the paranormal. He was also credited as a consulting producer on Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted, according to his IMDb profile.