Tragic End to Paranormal Tour: Lead Investigator Behind ‘Annabelle’ Doll Exhibit Dies Suddenly in Gettysburg
What was meant to be a chilling yet memorable paranormal weekend in Gettysburg turned tragic with the unexpected death of one of the nation’s most prominent ghost hunters. Dan Rivera, 54, lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) and a U.S. Army veteran, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the Gettysburg leg of the popular “Devils on the Run Tour,” which features the infamous haunted doll, Annabelle.
According to NESPR — the organization founded by famed investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren — Rivera died suddenly while staying at a Gettysburg hotel. Emergency responders were dispatched around 8 p.m. following a report of CPR in progress on a man matching Rivera’s age. Authorities later confirmed that Rivera had been found alone in his room, and while his death is under investigation by the Adams County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police, officials stated there was no indication of foul play. His official cause of death is pending an autopsy, the results of which could take several months.
A Life Devoted to the Paranormal
Rivera was a central figure in NESPR and had become the face of the “Devils on the Run Tour,” which brought the alleged cursed doll, Annabelle, to paranormal hotspots across the country. Known for his warm charisma, knowledge, and devotion to spiritual safety, Rivera captured widespread attention through TikTok and social media, where his videos with fellow investigator Ryan Daniel Buell went viral and drew millions of views.
During the Gettysburg event, Rivera led one of the sold-out tours held at the Soldiers National Orphanage, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours. The event sold over 1,260 tickets across three days, concluding Sunday afternoon — mere hours before Rivera’s passing.
Witnesses at the Saturday night event described Rivera as energetic and humorous, connecting with the crowd as he introduced the doll. He explained how he personally constructed the glass case that housed Annabelle — a case blessed with holy water and adorned with three crosses representing the Holy Trinity. Rivera often quoted his late mentor Lorraine Warren, encouraging attendees to “close your eyes and envision yourself in a halo of white light” as a form of protection against negative spiritual forces.
A Controversial Yet Beloved Tour
The tour had sparked both fascination and concern, especially from those wary of Annabelle’s paranormal reputation. The doll, central to the mythology behind The Conjuring universe, has long been associated with terrifying supernatural events, many of which were documented by the Warrens and later dramatized in the multi-billion-dollar film franchise.
Despite the eerie legends, Rivera consistently emphasized caution, faith, and spiritual grounding. He dismissed viral rumors — including jokes that Annabelle had caused cell phone alerts or other disruptions — with levity, assuring guests that the tour was safe and focused on education, not fear.
A Legacy in the Paranormal World
Dan Rivera’s death has left a massive void in the paranormal research community. Since the announcement Monday evening, heartfelt tributes have poured in from fellow ghost hunters, fans, and spiritualists alike. Many described him as a compassionate educator, a loving husband and father, and a man with a deep passion for uncovering the mysteries of the unseen world.
Born with what colleagues called an “insatiable curiosity,” Rivera’s fascination with the paranormal began early in life and only grew after his service in the U.S. Army. He later founded his own investigation group before being mentored by Lorraine Warren herself in her final years. By 2011, Rivera was appointed lead investigator at NESPR, taking on the mantle of a legacy started by the Warrens in 1952 — one that had shaped investigations into high-profile cases like The Amityville Horror, The Enfield Poltergeist, and of course, Annabelle.
Rivera’s work helped bring NESPR into the modern age, bridging generations with digital media and reviving interest in haunted folklore with a fresh, human approach.
