Dan Rivera, a prominent paranormal investigator and the lead figure behind the “Devils on the Run” tour, has died unexpectedly at the age of 54.
His death occurred on 13 July 2025, while on tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during a stop that featured the infamous Annabelle doll—widely believed to be “possessed.”
Rivera had been instrumental in bringing national attention to the tour and was regarded as a vital force in preserving the legacy of famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Dan Rivera, a senior investigator with the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), was found unresponsive in his hotel room on Sunday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene, where Rivera was discovered alone, with CPR already in progress.
The Adams County Coroner confirmed his death, stating that the cause is pending the results of an autopsy. Authorities have reported that the circumstances appear non-suspicious. Pennsylvania State Police are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Rivera was on location for the Gettysburg leg of the sold-out “Devils on the Run” tour, hosted at the Soldiers National Orphanage. Over 1,260 tickets had been sold in just three days.
A former US Army veteran, Rivera began working with NESPR in 2011, training directly under Lorraine Warren until her passing in 2019. He became a leading voice in the preservation of the Warrens’ extensive occult collection and was instrumental in keeping their investigative work alive.
“Dan’s kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him,” said fellow NESPR investigator Chris Gilloren.
Rivera had been deeply involved in the field for years, known not only for his ghost investigations but also for his knowledge of Santería rites and rituals. His biography also cites early-life hauntings as the catalyst for his lifelong interest in the supernatural.
Rivera played a pivotal role in expanding NESPR’s presence online. His collaborative videos on TikTok with fellow investigator Ryan Daniel Buell reached viral status, helping to propel the Devils on the Run tour to national prominence.
He also made appearances on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and served as a consulting producer for Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. His engaging presence and genuine passion earned him wide respect across the paranormal community.
Following news of his passing, tributes flooded social media. Ryan Daniel Buell shared an emotional post remembering Rivera’s dedication to helping families plagued by unexplained phenomena.
The centrepiece of the tour, the Annabelle doll, has long been associated with sinister folklore. Originally acquired by the Warrens in 1968, the doll was removed from a private residence after reportedly exhibiting violent and unexplainable behaviour.
It now resides in a sealed glass case at NESPR’s Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut. The Annabelle legend became a pop culture phenomenon, serving as inspiration for several films in The Conjuring horror universe.
On 14 July, NESPR confirmed the devastating news in a public statement, calling Rivera “a dedicated educator in the paranormal field.” His tireless efforts to demystify the supernatural and connect with the public were widely acknowledged.
The organisation also thanked the public for their support, asking for privacy for Rivera’s family during this time of mourning.
Dan Rivera’s sudden death has left a deep void in the field of paranormal investigation. His leadership, warmth, and unwavering commitment to truth-seeking made him a beloved figure far beyond the haunted locations he explored.
As the paranormal community reflects on his life and work, one thing remains clear—Rivera’s legacy will endure in every haunted tale he helped tell, every soul he reached, and every believer he inspired.
