The paranormal community is reeling from the sudden passing of Dan Rivera, a prominent paranormal investigator and handler of the infamous Annabelle doll. Rivera, 54, died on Sunday, June 13, 2025, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, while on his highly popular “Devils on the Run Tour.”
image credit Dan Rivera:X/@officialATU and Annabelle doll :X/@GACrewFans
Rivera’s death, though not deemed suspicious by authorities, has sent shockwaves through social media, with many netizens speculating about the involvement of the purportedly haunted doll he so famously toured with.
A Pillar of the Paranormal Community
Dan Rivera
Dan Rivera was more than just a tour handler; he was a dedicated US Army veteran, a lead investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), and a respected figure in the paranormal world. He was mentored by the legendary Lorraine Warren, co-founder of NESPR, and committed his work to continuing the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
His extensive experience led him to appearances on popular television shows, including the Travel Channel’s “Most Haunted Places,” and he even served as a producer for Netflix’s “28 Days Haunted.”
The “Devils on the Run Tour” and Viral Fame
image credit :James Wan’s The Conjuring universe.
Rivera gained significant public recognition through his “Devils on the Run Tour,” where he, alongside other NESPR members, brought the chilling Annabelle doll to various locations across the country. The tour’s stop in Gettysburg was a massive success, with over 1,260 tickets sold across a three-day sold-out event hosted by “Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours” at the Soldiers National Orphanage.
Rivera’s knack for connecting with audiences extended to social media, where he and fellow investigator Ryan Daniel Buell created viral TikTok videos featuring the doll, amassing millions of views and captivating a new generation of paranormal enthusiasts.
The Annabelle Legacy and Public Reaction
The Annabelle doll itself has a notorious history, tied to a series of alleged hauntings in the 1970s. Originally given to a nursing student, the doll was later claimed by Ed and Lorraine Warren to be demonically possessed, exhibiting terrifying behaviors such as physically moving, following people, and even allegedly causing harm. The doll’s unsettling story famously inspired the ‘The Conjuring’ movie universe.
Rivera’s sudden passing has naturally ignited intense discussions online. While some dismiss the supernatural element, others on social media were quick to link his death to the doll’s sinister reputation. Comments like “This was bound to happen” and “Believe what you want, but she’s not to be messed with” highlight the widespread belief in Annabelle’s dark power.
While investigations into the exact cause of Dan Rivera’s death are ongoing, his impact on the paranormal community is undeniable. He will be remembered as a passionate investigator, a devoted family man, and a captivating storyteller who brought the mysteries of the unknown to countless people. His legacy, and perhaps even the chilling allure of Annabelle, will undoubtedly continue to intrigue and mystify for years to come.