Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died suddenly while touring the country with the notoriously creepy and allegedly haunted ‘Annabelle’ doll.
Rivera shot to fame after appearing on Most Haunted Places and Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted, sharing his love of all things spooky and weird.
The 54-year-old father-of-four was a US army veteran, and had been travelling across the US with the horrifying ‘Raggedy Anne’ doll as part of his ‘Devils On The Run’ tour, transporting the doll for paranormal fans to see first-hand.
The doll, named Annabelle, inspired the film of the same name and had been linked to hauntings in 1970, while owned by a 28-year-old nursing student called Donna.
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Donna and her roommates alleged the doll was leaving them threatening notes, as well as moving around the room by itself.
Rivera had just finished the last date of the tour in Gettysburg with the New England Society for Psychic Research when tragedy struck.
Authorities have revealed the paranormal investigator died suddenly on Sunday July 12, and according to the Evening Sun, emergency services attended his hotel just after 8pm and gave CPR.
Sadly, Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Adams County Coroner’s office said the investigator’s death did not appear suspicious at this time, and confirmed that he was found alone in his hotel room.
Rivera had built up a huge following online for his footage of paranormal goings on, with a particular interest in ghost hunts and the Annabelle doll.
He is survived by his wife Sarah and their four children, and his family has shared a statement on Facebook: "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."
The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) was founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1952.
They were fascinated by the Annabelle doll, and they claimed it could move and was allegedly responsible for horrors such as causing a car crash involving a priest and even stabbed a police officer.
The couple claimed the doll gave ‘psychic slashes’ to people it didn’t like, drawing blood as if it had used a knife.
The name for the doll came about after a psychic medium said it was possessed by the spirit of six-year-old girl who had died, named Annabelle.
Tributes have poured in from fellow investigators and fans.
Fellow paranormal investigator Ryan Buell wrote on TikTok: "I have so many amazing memories with this guy. Just as recently as two months ago, we traveled around the country and introduced a whole new generation to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s legacy."
The NESPR released a statement saying: "Dan was not only a vital part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal and dedicated friend."
"It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera.
"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."
Jen Thomas