Remembering Dan Rivera, the Heart Behind Annabelle’s Haunted Tour
I want to take a moment to talk about someone who truly left a mark on the paranormal world—Dan Rivera. If you’ve been following anything about the “Devils on the Run Tour,” or the famously haunted Annabelle doll, you’ve probably heard his name. Sadly, Dan Rivera passed away unexpectedly this past Sunday while on tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was 54 years old.
Dan wasn’t just a paranormal investigator. He was the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), the same organization founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren—names many know from “The Conjuring” films. Dan was actually mentored by Lorraine herself. That legacy? He carried it with genuine heart and incredible dedication.
Gettysburg was one of the key stops on the tour—and it was completely sold out. Over 1,200 people came over the course of the weekend to see Annabelle, one of the most infamous paranormal artifacts in the world. Dan was there, doing what he did best—welcoming guests, easing their nerves, cracking jokes, and explaining how they were being protected during their close encounter with Annabelle. He even built the protective case for the doll himself, embedding it with symbols of faith and soaking it in holy water. That wasn’t for show—it was how seriously he took his work, and the responsibility that came with it.
On Saturday, he led a tour group through the orphanage site in Gettysburg. With that classic Dan charisma, he talked about the viral moments from the tour, the TikTok videos, the rumors, the energy around Annabelle. But he always brought it back to what mattered—helping people understand the unseen world, and how to protect themselves from it. I remember he quoted Lorraine Warren during that tour. He said, “Close your eyes and envision yourself in a halo of white light.” That’s how Lorraine taught people to shield themselves from evil.
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Dan’s passion for the paranormal started early, and it followed him even after his service in the U.S. Army. He founded his own investigation group before eventually becoming NESPR’s lead investigator in 2011. You might have seen him on TV—on shows like Most Haunted Places and 28 Days Haunted —but what you didn’t see were all the families he helped behind the scenes. Like Ed and Lorraine, Dan believed in offering real help to people who were scared and seeking answers.
Tributes are pouring in from all corners of the paranormal world—colleagues, friends, fans. Ryan Daniel Buell, who toured with Dan, wrote a powerful tribute, calling him not just a colleague, but a protector of Lorraine Warren’s legacy. Others who met Dan at conventions or on tours remember his warmth, his jokes, and his genuine care.
I think the most touching words came from Dan himself, years ago. He once wrote in tribute to Lorraine: “In life, we leave a piece of ourselves with loved ones and friends... those pieces will always be remembered.” That feels especially true now. Dan left many pieces of himself with us—his energy, his kindness, his mission. And just like he said, his journey hasn’t ended. It’s only begun.
Rest in peace, Dan Rivera. A true legend was lost—but his light lives on.
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