Dan Rivera, the well-known paranormal investigator and host of the haunted “Annabelle” doll tour, passed away suddenly at the age of 54. Rivera’s death occurred on July 13, 2025, while he was on tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was leading the popular “Devils on the Run” haunted tour featuring the infamous Annabelle doll. The doll, a Raggedy Ann doll alleged to be possessed and tied to numerous paranormal incidents, has been central to Rivera’s work and the focus of many of the tour’s eerie attractions.
Rivera was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room during the tour. Despite immediate attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have reported no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, and the exact cause has not been publicly released. Rivera’s passing has stunned the paranormal community and fans who followed his investigations and appearances.
A U.S. Army veteran, Rivera dedicated much of his adult life to paranormal research. He was a longstanding member of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), an organization committed to studying and investigating paranormal phenomena. Rivera was deeply respected within this community, known for his compassionate approach and his passion for sharing knowledge about the supernatural. His colleagues described him as a loyal friend and a devoted investigator who sought to educate the public about spirits, hauntings, and unexplained phenomena.
The “Devils on the Run” tour, which Rivera was hosting at the time of his death, traveled around the country showcasing haunted artifacts, including the Annabelle doll. The tour was designed to offer attendees an immersive experience with reputedly haunted objects and to foster understanding of paranormal activity through firsthand encounters and stories. Despite the tragedy of Rivera’s passing, NESPR has committed to continuing the tour in his honor, with upcoming stops planned in cities such as Augusta, Rock Island, and concluding with Scarefest in Kentucky.
Rivera’s sudden death has ignited conversations about the nature and safety of working closely with haunted artifacts. Some fans and observers speculated about possible paranormal connections between the Annabelle doll and Rivera’s death. However, investigators and NESPR officials have urged the public not to entertain such theories without evidence and to focus instead on honoring Rivera’s memory and contributions to paranormal research.
In response to his unexpected passing, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Rivera’s family with funeral expenses and provide support for his four sons. The paranormal community and Rivera’s fans have expressed profound grief and shared memories celebrating his dedication and impact on the field. Many tributes highlighted his warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to exploring the unknown with respect and curiosity.
Rivera’s death is a significant loss to the paranormal investigation world. His work helped popularize paranormal research and brought attention to the stories behind haunted objects like the Annabelle doll. More than a showman, Rivera was a sincere seeker of truth and a bridge between skeptics and believers. The “Devils on the Run” tour continuing in his absence serves as a living legacy to his passion and mission to educate the public about the supernatural.
Though Rivera’s passing has left a void, his influence will continue through those who carry on his work and through the many people he inspired to take an interest in paranormal phenomena. His dedication and respectful approach to investigating haunted locations and objects set a standard for professionalism and empathy in the field.
In remembering Dan Rivera, those close to him emphasize his genuine kindness, his sense of humor, and his eagerness to share stories from the paranormal world. His colleagues remember him not just for his expertise, but for his ability to connect with people and bring a human element to often frightening or misunderstood experiences.
As the “Devils on the Run” tour moves forward, it carries with it the spirit of Dan Rivera’s passion. The tour’s organizers and fellow investigators are committed to preserving his legacy and continuing to provide audiences with engaging, educational paranormal experiences. His life’s work helped bring attention to the mysteries that surround us and reminded many that curiosity, respect, and compassion are essential when exploring the unknown.
Dan Rivera’s passing at 54 is mourned by the paranormal community, fans, and family alike. His contributions to paranormal research, his leadership in hosting one of the most well-known haunted tours in the United States, and his approachable personality will be remembered for years to come. Though he is gone, his impact on the field remains alive, inspiring new generations of investigators and enthusiasts.
In the wake of his death, the focus remains on honoring Rivera’s memory through continued investigation, education, and the “Devils on the Run” tour itself. His story serves as a reminder of the risks and mysteries involved in paranormal research, and the profound human connections formed along the way.
Ultimately, Dan Rivera’s life and work exemplify a deep commitment to exploring the unexplained with integrity and heart. His sudden passing has left a profound sadness, but his legacy endures in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the ongoing fascination with the paranormal that he helped cultivate.
