Dan Rivera Obituary, Death; – Authorities in Pennsylvania have provided new information regarding the paranormal investigator who unexpectedly passed away while on tour showcasing a purportedly haunted 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 as part of the Devils on the Run tour, as reported earlier by the Evening Sun. On Wednesday, July 16, the Pennsylvania State Police released a report outlining the events surrounding Rivera’s death on Sunday.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(825x219:827x221):format(webp)/Dan-Rivera-071525-92aac37612834599ba8f09110cf7282b.jpg "Dan Rivera Obituary, Death; Authorities Share New Details About Paranormal Investigator Found Dead After Touring 'Possessed' Annabelle Doll")
“Members from PSP Gettysburg responded to a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County for a report of a deceased [man],” officials stated. “The decedent was found in his hotel room by staff.”
“Nothing unusual or suspicious was noted at the scene,” the agency further stated. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
As per Adams County dispatch records, emergency personnel were dispatched to a hotel in Gettysburg where CPR was performed on a male matching Rivera’s age, according to the report.
At the time of his passing, Rivera was in Gettysburg to present Annabelle, which the New England Society for Psychic Research has described as “demonically possessed.”
The society notes that the doll’s history dates back to 1968, when a student nurse received the doll as a gift and brought it to the residence she shared with her roommate.
“Almost immediately, the roommates began to experience strange phenomena associated with the doll and were introduced to a medium who informed them that the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle,” the organization stated. “The two roommates attempted to accommodate the doll’s spirit and appease it, only to encounter increasing maliciousness and violent behavior in return.”
The society further explained that its founders, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called to assess the situation and concluded that Annabelle was indeed possessed. They removed the doll from the residence and placed it in a glass case “to contain the evil spirit within.”
The tale of Annabelle and the Warrens inspired the creation of the horror film franchise.
Rivera’s death was previously confirmed by the New England Society for Psychic Research in a social media post. 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 organization later shared a press release with PEOPLE on Tuesday, July 15, paying tribute to their late friend and colleague.
“The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) is devastated by his passing 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,” the statement read in part.
“His integrity, creativity, and generosity defined him. Dan’s passion for the paranormal was rooted in a genuine desire to educate, help, and connect with others—whether through social media, conventions, or investigations with local families seeking understanding and peace,” the society further added.
“We understand that Dan’s work inspired fascination and curiosity for many, but above all, he was a father, devoted husband, and loyal friend, someone who meant the world to those closest to him. Out of respect for his family, we kindly ask for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss,” they continued.
The New England Society for Psychic Research added that it will continue its previously planned events for the remainder of this year, saying: “We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue—bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and honoring the memory of Ed & Lorraine Warren. We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do.”
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.)
