Tragic Loss in Gettysburg
Dan Rivera, 54, lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the Gettysburg stop of the “Devils on the Run Tour” featuring the infamous Annabelle doll. The New England Society for Psychic Research, which organized the tour, announced the tragic news on Monday evening. Rivera, a U.S. Army veteran and prominent figure in the paranormal community, died in a Gettysburg hotel room, leaving the paranormal world in shock.
The Annabelle Doll Tour
The “Devils on the Run Tour” brought the allegedly haunted Annabelle doll, a pop culture icon from The Conjuring horror series, to various U.S. cities. The Gettysburg event, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours at the Soldiers National Orphanage, sold out all 1,260 tickets over the July 11–13 weekend. Rivera, mentored by the legendary Lorraine Warren, was a key figure in promoting the tour, gaining viral attention through TikTok videos alongside paranormal investigator Ryan Daniel Buell. These videos amassed millions of views, though the tour also sparked controversy on social media due to superstitions surrounding the doll’s eerie history.
Circumstances of Rivera’s Death
According to Adams County dispatch scanner archives, emergency responders were called to a Gettysburg hotel after 8 p.m. on Sunday for a male patient, matching Rivera’s age, requiring CPR. Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed that Rivera’s cause of death is pending autopsy results, which may take months. The coroner’s office stated the death does not appear suspicious, with Rivera found alone in his hotel room. Pennsylvania State Police and the coroner’s office are conducting a routine investigation, standard for sudden or unexplained deaths in Adams County.
Rivera’s Legacy in the Paranormal Community
Rivera’s passion for the paranormal began at a young age, leading him to found his own investigation group after his military service. Mentored by Lorraine Warren, Rivera became NESPR’s lead investigator in 2011. NESPR, established in 1952 by Ed and Lorraine Warren, is renowned for investigating cases like The Amityville Horror and the Enfield Poltergeist. Rivera also appeared on TV shows like the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and produced Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. He played a significant role in maintaining the Warrens’ legacy, including organizing ParaCon in Gettysburg in 2024 and curating the Annabelle tour.
Rivera’s charisma shone during the Gettysburg event, where he ensured a positive experience for attendees. He built a protective case for Annabelle, incorporating three crosses and holy water, and shared Lorraine Warren’s advice: “Close your eyes and envision yourself in a halo of white light” to ward off evil spirits. Rivera also debunked exaggerated claims about the doll, humorously denying connections to incidents like a 911 outage in Pennsylvania.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of Rivera’s passing, the paranormal community flooded social media with tributes. NESPR investigator Chris Gilloren praised Rivera’s dedication, saying, “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal.” Ryan Daniel Buell highlighted Rivera’s care for Lorraine Warren and his efforts to introduce the Warrens’ legacy to a new generation. Mary Jo Chudley of Penn Paranormal called Rivera “one of the kindest, most genuine, and funniest guys” in the field. Fans and colleagues recalled his warmth and enthusiasm at paranormal events.
Rivera’s Lasting Impact
Rivera’s work extended beyond public events. He and NESPR assisted families with alleged hauntings, continuing the Warrens’ mission. His 2020 tribute to Lorraine Warren reflected his philosophy: “In life, we leave a piece of ourselves with loved ones… those pieces will always be remembered.” Rivera’s death marks a profound loss for the paranormal community, but his legacy endures through his contributions to NESPR and the countless lives he touched.
For more information on the Annabelle doll and NESPR’s work, visit their official site. Stay updated on paranormal news and events in Gettysburg at Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Tours.
