Credit: @dan_rivera_nespr/Instagram
A paranormal investigator has died at 54 after showcasing an allegedly ‘possessed’ Annabelle doll.
Dan Rivera had been working on paranormal research and investigations for over 10 years prior to his death on July 13.
Emergency services were called to a hotel in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where CPR was reportedly administered to Rivera.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the father-of-four passed away at the scene.
The investigator was leading the Devils on the Run tour, which showcases a ‘demonically possessed’ Annabelle doll, at the time of his death.
The New England Society for Psychic Research, founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren, whose story led to the development of the horror film franchise The Conjuring, confirmed his death on Monday (July 14), in a heartfelt Facebook post.
It read: “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.”
Louise Warren was also a mentor to Rivera.
In his bio on the touring website, the 54-year-old described himself as an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria – an Afro-Caribbean religion.
It also read: “At an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home.”
He had been showcasing the raggedy Ann doll on the tour, which is still running until September.
The doll’s origin goes back to 1968, when a student nurse received her as a gift, and brought it to the home where she lived with her roommate.
The organization said: “Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle.
“The two roommates tried to accept the doll’s spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.”
Paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, were called in to confirm that the doll was ‘possessed.’
They indeed took her home, where she was stored in a glass box ‘to contain the evil spirited entity.’
The Conjuring storyline was developed from this true happening.
The exact cause of Rivera’s death is yet to be confirmed.
After authorities confirmed the investigator had died, his family took to Facebook to issue an emotional statement.
They said: “We as a family are in pieces as we share the news that Dan Rivera has passed away unexpectedly.
“He was the center of this family and a pillar of love and strength.
“As a devoted husband, father of four sons, and a staunchly faithful friend, he always had a quiet source of resilience, strength and endless hope. Daniel carried a light and a brave heart everyday through his life and his work.
“We are currently at a loss for words as we process his loss but are extremely thankful for the love, support and respect during this unimaginable time.”
Rivera had also served in the U.S. Army, and is survived by his wife Sarah and their four children.
