Dan Rivera, a respected figure in the paranormal community and lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during a tour stop in Gettysburg. He was 54. Known for his deep passion for the supernatural and his close association with the infamous Annabelle doll, Rivera’s death has left fans and colleagues in shock.
Who Was Dan Rivera?
Dan Rivera was one of the most recognizable faces of the Devils on the Run Tour, a multi-city event showcasing the reportedly haunted Annabelle doll. The Gettysburg stop was one of the most anticipated, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours at the Soldiers National Orphanage. The event was a sellout, with over 1,200 tickets sold across three days. Emergency services were called to a local hotel on Sunday night after Rivera was found unresponsive. CPR was performed on-site, but sadly, he could not be revived.
Dan Rivera was more than just a paranormal investigator; he was a U.S. Army veteran, a loving father and husband, and a charismatic storyteller who helped bring paranormal exploration into the mainstream. His viral TikTok videos with fellow investigator Ryan Daniel Buell helped the Annabelle tour gain widespread attention, collecting millions of views and sparking debate and fascination across social media.
The doll’s presence on the tour wasn’t without controversy. Many locations expressed concern due to the doll’s unsettling reputation, and public superstition around its history created a stir. Still, Rivera remained committed to ensuring both the safety and education of his audience. He even crafted a protective display case for the doll, blessed with holy water and marked with crosses.
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Dan Rivera’s interest in the paranormal began in childhood and intensified after his military service. Inspired by the legendary Lorraine Warren, he eventually joined NESPR and was mentored by her until her passing. In 2011, he was named the organisation’s lead investigator, carrying forward the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the couple behind real-life investigations like Annabelle, the Enfield Poltergeist, and The Amityville Horror.
In addition to his tour work, Rivera appeared on television programs including Most Haunted Places and served as a producer on Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted.
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