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The real life handler of the infamous and supposedly haunted ‘Annabelle’ doll has died aged 54, while on tour with the terrifying toy.
Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera suddenly passed away on Sunday night (13 July), his tour organisers have announced.
The New England Society For Psychic Research, who are hosting Annabelle’s tour, announced the tragic news in a press release earlier today (16 July), however, a cause of death is yet to be released.
In a heartbreaking statement posted to social media, the company, which was founded by late paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1952, said they were ‘devastated’ and are ‘still coming to terms with the profound loss’.
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Paying tribute, they wrote: “Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend.”
They added: “He worked closely with Lorraine Warren and remained by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support.
“Dan was a constant presence with Lorraine and NESPR at local events such as An Evening With Annabelle, where his warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression.”
Ed and Lorraine Warren were arguably the most famous paranormal investigators in the world, subsequently leading to a series of films being made about their stories - including The Conjuring and Annabelle.
They investigated thousands of cases throughout their career, including the Amityville Horror house and the Enfield poltergeist.
According to The Evening Sun and The New York Post, Rivera was in Gettysburg Pennsylvania as part of his viral ‘Devils on the Run Tour’ when emergency services rushed to his hotel and CPR was performed.
However, the paranormal investigator tragically passed away.
Fellow investigator, Chris Gilloren, who is also part of the tour, took to Facebook to pay tribute along with a black and white photo of Rivera.
He wrote: “It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera.
“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. 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.”
On the ‘Devils on the Run Tour', the team were travelling around the US with a series of haunted artefacts, including the allegedly possessed Raggedy Ann doll.
The event offers horror fans the rare chance to view Annabelle outside of the now-closed Warren Occult Museum.
And according to the NESPR’s website, this weekend’s show was a ‘night of paranormal history as the infamous Annabelle doll visits Gettysburg’s Haunted Orphanage.’
The tour’s next stop is scheduled to be in Augusta, Maine, on September 6 and September 7.
Rivera, who leaves behind his wife Sarah and four children, used social media, and posted several viral TikToks, which brought the tour to international attention.
In the NESPR’s statement, they also outlined that Rivera was both a US army veteran who ‘believed in God’ with ‘strong faith’.
They wrote: “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.”
