Annabelle handler Dan Rivera’s cause of death revealed after sudden passing sparked haunted doll curse rumors

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Information regarding the cause of death of veteran ghost hunter and Annabelle caretaker, Dan Rivera, has come to light – approximately two months following his unexpected demise at the age of 54.

During his “Devils on the Run” tour, which took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and featured the notorious Annabelle doll, Rivera became unconscious at his hotel on July 13th.

The passing away of Rivera, the primary investigator at the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), ignited a wave of fan excitement, with many calling for the cancellation of the tour due to speculations of a curse.

In the 1970s, the Annabelle doll became well-known among paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. They housed it behind a glass case in their personal museum of supernatural artifacts, and they would routinely caution visitors against touching it.

The autopsy findings showed that Rivera passed away due to natural health complications, specifically heart-related issues, as confirmed by the County of Adams Coroner, Francis Dutrow.

According to a report from TMZ, it was known that Rivera had heart-related health problems, and these issues matched up with what was found during the autopsy.

The coroner also confirmed the Annabelle doll was not in the room with Rivera when he died.

The Warrens’ work inspired The Conjuring films and remains central to modern paranormal lore.

The “Devils on the Run” tour, where the doll was taken out of its secure container for various public appearances, is facing increasing attention. Fans are concerned that this might release the doll’s ominous influence.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of Chris McKinnell, the Warrens’ grandson, who has publicly acknowledged the profound impact and influence that Annabelle holds, referring to it as her powerful presence.

Back in the ’70s, I was captivated by a tale about a Raggedy Anne Doll that seemed to have an eerie history. It’s said this doll was once gifted to a nurse in Hartford, Connecticut, and it wasn’t long before it started showing strange, unsettling signs of behavior.

It was believed that Annabelle was under the control of a deceased child’s spirit, reportedly displaying independent movements, leaving chilling written messages, and, in some accounts, even physically attacking people.

Upon discovering the case, the Warrens were intrigued and ultimately deduced that Annabelle was being influenced by a malevolent spirit or demonic force.

Since the success of the associated tale and movie series, the genuine Annabelle doll was taken out from its safe storage and added to the Devils on the Run tour itinerary, commencing travels in May.

The tour wasn’t merely popular; it also caused debate. Critics argued that Rivera and his group were capitalizing on fear and superstition for financial gain, while supporters cautioned that moving the doll might bring about genuine risk.

At one of the stops, some visitors noticed that a three-foot-tall doll was missing with no clear reason given, causing a flurry of concern and speculation on social media.

The situation became more volatile following several incidents that occurred close in time: a fire erupted at an old-standing resort in White Castle, Louisiana, and ten prisoners managed to flee from a correctional facility in New Orleans; these events transpired shortly after Annabelle was displayed within the state.

Anxiety escalated on social media platforms, as some individuals became convinced that a doll labeled ‘possessed’ had brought about a curse.

Rivera stepped in to shut down the hysteria in a TikTok video.

In contrast to the somber tone of his artworks, Rivera was celebrated for his lively and captivating demeanor, particularly with regard to Annabelle, where he displayed a more cheerful side.

In the gathering at Gettysburg, I shared my unique process of crafting a protective case for a doll. This case was made from wood that had been sanctified with holy water, and it featured three crosses – a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

He frequently delved into folklore as he dispelled online rumors, even those suggesting that Annabelle was responsible for triggering a statewide 911 service disruption in Pennsylvania.

Rivera’s fascination with the supernatural began at an early age and never let up. 

Following his service in the U.S. Military, he established his private investigation group. Later, under the guidance of Lorraine Warren, he learned the practice of shielding himself spiritually, which involved imagining a radiant sphere of pure white light surrounding him.

Over time, he evolved into the principal investigator for NESPR, upholding the Warrens’ heritage by aiding families dealing with personal hauntings and coordinating events such as the ParaCon conference.

Outside the realm of popular haunted doll television, Rivera featured in well-received series such as Most Haunted Locations on the Travel Channel and contributed to the production of Netflix’s 28 Days of Haunting.

The paranormal community responded to Rivera’s passing with an outpouring of love and grief.

According to fellow NESPR investigator Chris Gilloren, Dan genuinely felt that it was important to share his paranormal experiences and teach others about them. His compassionate nature and deep-rooted enthusiasm left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mary Jo Chudley from Penn Paranormal praised Rivera as a “true icon” and someone who is “exceptionally kind, authentic, and hilarious.

Rivera wrote about the afterlife in a touching 2020 tribute to Lorraine Warren.

He explained, as we move along in life, we share fragments of ourselves with loved ones and friends. At first glance, it might seem that once these parts are given, there’s nothing left. But upon reflection, those shared pieces continue to live on in the memories of others.

‘So I say I will never die. My journey has only begun.’

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2025-09-04 20:19