Dan Rivera, a respected paranormal investigator and a key figure in the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), passed away suddenly on July 13 while participating in a paranormal tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was 54.
Rivera had been showcasing the infamous Annabelle doll—believed by some to be haunted and the inspiration behind the Conjuring film franchise—when the incident occurred. Emergency responders were called to a hotel around 8 p.m. for a medical emergency. According to the Adams County Coroner’s Office, Rivera was found alone and unresponsive in his room. His death is not considered suspicious, though the official cause remains pending and may take months to determine.
NESPR, in a statement released two days after his death, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their senior lead investigator. “We are heartbroken and still processing this loss,” the group said. “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal.”
They further honored Rivera’s memory in a follow-up tribute, describing him as a man defined by “integrity, creativity, and generosity,” whose passion for the supernatural stemmed from a sincere desire to help and connect with others. Rivera frequently used social media, conventions, and field investigations to educate families seeking clarity on unexplained experiences.
Despite the unexpected loss, the organization confirmed they will continue with scheduled events. “We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue,” NESPR said.
Rivera had spent over a decade in paranormal research and was no stranger to mysterious experiences—he reportedly encountered supernatural events during his childhood in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was also a U.S. Army veteran and known for his expertise in the spiritual practices of Santeria.
Annabelle, the doll Rivera was showcasing at the time of his death, remains one of the most notorious items in paranormal lore. The case was originally handled by NESPR founders Ed and Lorraine Warren, whose investigations inspired The Conjuring Universe, a series of eight horror films that have grossed over $2.2 billion worldwide.
