On July 13, 2025, a tragic event shook the paranormal community. Dan Rivera, a well-known paranormal investigator, died unexpectedly during the "Devils on the Run Tour" in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The tour featured the infamous Annabelle doll, believed by many to be haunted. Rivera, aged 54, was a key figure in the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). His sudden passing left fans and colleagues in shock.
Dan Rivera was the lead investigator for NESPR, a group founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1952. He was also a U.S. Army veteran with a deep passion for the paranormal. Rivera helped organize the nationwide tour, which showcased the Annabelle doll, known from "The Conjuring" film series. His work brought the doll’s eerie legend to thousands.
The Gettysburg stop of the tour was hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours at the Soldiers National Orphanage. It was a sold-out event, with over 1,260 tickets sold over three days, from July 11 to July 13, 2025. The tour’s popularity soared, thanks to Rivera’s engaging social media presence, including viral TikTok videos with investigator Ryan Daniel Buell.
On Sunday evening, tragedy struck at a Gettysburg hotel. Emergency dispatch records show a call for CPR on a man matching Rivera’s age. Firefighters and medics responded quickly, but Rivera could not be saved. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, adding to the mystery surrounding the event.
Rivera was mentored by Lorraine Warren, a famous paranormal investigator. He shared her advice with tour attendees, teaching them to protect themselves from evil spirits by imagining a halo of white light. Rivera also built the doll’s display case, using wood stained with holy water and three crosses to symbolize the Holy Trinity.
The Annabelle doll has a dark reputation, tied to stories of demonic possession. The tour sparked both fascination and controversy. Some social media users blamed the doll for strange events, like a 911 outage in Pennsylvania, which Rivera denied. He worked to calm fears while sharing the doll’s chilling history.
Rivera’s charisma shone during the Gettysburg event. He joked with visitors, ensuring they enjoyed the experience. His passion for the paranormal was clear as he shared stories about the doll and the Warrens’ legacy. Rivera wanted everyone to feel safe and have fun.
The "Devils on the Run Tour" gained global attention, partly due to Rivera’s outreach. He and Buell created TikTok videos that earned millions of views. However, some critics accused the tour of exploiting fear for profit, while others worried moving the doll could unleash danger.
After Rivera’s death was announced, tributes poured in from the paranormal community. Fans and colleagues remembered him as a kind, funny, and genuine person. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who loved sharing his passion for the paranormal.
Rivera’s curiosity about the paranormal began in childhood. After his Army service, he founded his own investigation group. His connection with Lorraine Warren grew strong, and she mentored him in her final years. In 2011, Rivera became NESPR’s lead investigator.
NESPR, founded by the Warrens, is known for investigating famous cases like "The Amityville Horror" and the "Enfield Poltergeist." The Annabelle doll, part of their occult museum, inspired "The Conjuring" films, which became the highest-grossing horror series by 2023.
After the Warrens’ passing, their daughter Judy Spera and son-in-law Tony Spera maintained the museum’s collection. Though the museum closed to the public in 2019 due to zoning issues, its artifacts, including Annabelle, have toured the country. Rivera played a key role in these efforts.
Rivera also appeared on TV shows like the Travel Channel’s "Most Haunted Places" and produced Netflix’s "28 Days Haunted." He worked privately with NESPR to help families facing alleged hauntings, continuing the Warrens’ mission to aid those in need.
Colleagues like Ryan Daniel Buell praised Rivera’s dedication. Buell said Rivera kept the Warrens’ legacy alive through events like ParaCon and the Annabelle tour. These efforts introduced a new generation to the Warrens’ work in paranormal investigation.
Chris Gilloren, another NESPR investigator, shared a heartfelt statement. He said Rivera loved educating people about the paranormal. The community was devastated by his loss, with many calling him a “true legend” for his kindness and passion.
Mary Jo Chudley of Penn Paranormal called Rivera one of the kindest and funniest people she knew. His 2020 tribute to Lorraine Warren, shared after his death, felt prophetic. Rivera wrote that life never truly ends, as we leave pieces of ourselves with others.
Rivera’s death left a void in the paranormal world. His work with the Annabelle doll and NESPR touched countless lives. As the community mourns, his legacy of passion and kindness will live on through those he inspired.
