Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator who was on tour with the New England Society of Psychic Research sharing his love for spooky things, has died at the age of 54. He was on tour with the infamous haunted doll ‘Annabelle’.
Rivera was traveling across the US
The father of four was touring the US after having shot to fame as he appeared on Most Haunted Places and Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted.
Rivera was traveling with the ‘Annabelle’ doll as part of the Devils On The Run tour to show paranormal fans the doll first-hand.
The doll has a haunting story behind it
‘Annabelle’ carries a spooky story behind it which began in 1968 when a student nurse and her roommates said that ‘strange occurrences’ were happening around the toy.
They said the doll would move around the room by itself or leave them threatening notes.
‘Annabelle’ is deemed ‘possessed’
The New England Society of Psychic Research (NESPR), which Rivera had been touring with, has deemed the doll ‘Annabelle’ a ‘demonically possessed’ item in its collection.
‘Annabelle’ was the inspiration behind the popular horror movie with the same name as well as the movie The Conjuring.
Rivera was found dead in his hotel
Authorities shared that Rivera had died suddenly on Sunday, July 13, having been found in his Pennsylvania hotel.
According to the Evening Sun, emergency services attended his hotel and gave him CPR, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Nothing suspicious was found at the scene
While the 54-year-old doll handler’s cause of death has not been revealed as it’s pending an autopsy, local police have said that “nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene.”
The NESPR shared a statement
Following Rivera’s death, the NESPR shared in a statement that they were “still coming to terms with this profound loss,” but do not have immediate plans to cancel the tour with the doll ‘Annabelle’.
“We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue,” they said. “We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do.”
His family also released a statement online
In a statement shared by Rivera’s family on Facebook, they said, “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,” they added.
His family remembered him for his resilience
“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,” his family went on.
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“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.”
