A paranormal researcher who has been touring with the “Annabelle” doll that in part inspired “The Conjuring” film franchise died unexpectedly in Pennsylvania this week, according to his colleagues.
“With heavy hearts we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dan Rivera,” said a Tuesday Facebook post from the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). That paranormal research society was founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1952 and is also known for its work on the “Amityville Horror” case.
A Wednesday X post from Pennsylvania State Trooper Megan Frazer shows a “Public Information Release Report” document that states that a 54-year-od male from Southport, Ct., died of natural causes Sunday in Gettysburg, Pa. People Magazine cited the post and identified the man as Rivera.
“The decedent was discovered in his room by coworkers. Nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene,” said the document. “This case is pending autopsy results.”
The Evening Sun reported that Adams County dispatch scanner archives show that firefighters and medical personnel had been called to a hotel in Gettysburg after 8 p.m. on Sunday evening for in progress on a male patient of Rivera’s age. It also reported that autopsy results could take several months.
According to the NESPR website, Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran who was an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria. It also said that the native of Bridgeport, Ct., had been involved in paranormal research and investigations for more than a decade and had witnessed paranormal events at a young age in his home.
“Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal and dedicated friend,” said the NESPR statement.
Rivera had been on tour with the Annabelle doll, per a July 6 post on his Facebook page. It was part of the “Devils on the Run” tour and an upcoming event scheduled in Maine this September advertises that the “Annabelle” doll is to be taken out of its glass case “for the FIRST time ever.”
Ed and Lorraine Warren came in possession of the doll in 1968, according to the NESPR website. It explained that a nursing student received the Raggedy Ann doll as a gift and allegedly started noticing strange occurrences related to it. After a medium told the woman and her roommate that the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl they tried to live with it.
When the strange occurrences seemed to continue, the Warrens got involved and declared that the doll was demonically possessed. They took the doll and encased it in a glass box. While some posted on Facebook that the Warrens gave instructions not to remove the doll from the box, NESPR refuted that claim.
Rivera worked closely with Lorraine Warren and remained by her side as her health declined, said NESPR, which is now run by the Warrens’ daughter, Julie, and her husband, Tony Spera.
“Dan was a constant presence with Lorraine and NESPR at local evens such as ‘An Evening with Annabelle’, here his warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression,” said the NESPR statement. It also said that his “passion for the paranormal was rooted in a genuine desire to educate, help and connect with others – whether through social media, conventions or investigations with local families seeking understanding and peace.”
Rivera’s colleagues at NESPR said he was a spiritual person and that they believe he is reunited with loved ones who passed before him.
“In life we leave a piece of ourselves with loved ones and friends on our journey until there are no more pieces to give away. You would think that this is the end, but when you look back at all the pieces you gave away, those pieces will always be remembered. So, I say I will never die. My journey has only begun,” said Rivera before his passing.
While it said that it does not know what NESPR’s work will look like without Rivera, the group also said it plans to go ahead with its scheduled events through the end of the year, as they believe it is what he would have wanted.
“We understand that Dan’s work inspired fascination and curiosity for many, but above all, he was a father, a devoted husband, and a loyal friend, someone who meant the world to those closest to him. Out of respect for his family, we kindly ask for privacy as they mourn this tremendous loss,” said NESPR.