Researcher Who Protected the Annabelle Doll Dies: Found Dead in a Hotel

Dan Rivera, renowned paranormal researcher and custodian of the famous Annabelle doll, died unexpectedly at age 54 while on tour in the United States. His body was found on July 13 in a hotel room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, while he was participating in the traveling exhibition Devils on the Run, organized by the Gettysburg Ghost Images team.

Rivera was one of the leading representatives of the New England Society for Psychical Research (NESPR), an institution founded by renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. In addition to playing an active role in multiple supernatural investigations, he was responsible for guarding Annabelle, the doll associated with various paranormal phenomena that inspired the successful film series of the same name.

Although the official cause of her death has not yet been determined, authorities reported that hotel staff called 911 after receiving no answer from her room. Despite CPR, Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.

Some reports indicate that several of the Warren Museum's cursed artifacts were in the room, including Annabelle herself, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Rivera's death caused deep grief in the paranormal community. NESPR posted an emotional statement on its social media on July 14, describing him as “a beloved colleague passionate about educating the public about the unexplained.”

“We are heartbroken. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences, and his kindness touched everyone who knew him,” the organization said.

For their part, the organizers of Gettysburg Ghost Pictures mourned the loss of someone they considered a leading figure in psychic research.

“He was a towering figure in our community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” they stated in a farewell message.

Rivera spent more than two decades exploring supernatural phenomena and accompanying Warren Museum exhibits across the country. While it has not been confirmed that she has been linked to a paranormal event, some people do not rule out the possibility.