Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, suddenly died on Sunday, July 13, in Gettysburg, PA, while on the Devils on the Run tour, hosted by The New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). The tour boasted that it would bring Ed and Lorraine Warren’s (the primary inspiration for The Conjuring film series) “investigations to life.” This included showcasing haunted objects from the Warren’s Occult Museum, including the infamous Annabelle doll.
At this time, the cause of death has not been shared.
Lead investigator Chris “Jeek” Gilloren posted to the official NESPR social media accounts saying, “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.”
Notably, the Annabelle doll, who inspired the Annabelle franchise, was given to a student nurse in 1971. This Raggedy Ann doll lived in her and her roommate’s apartment, and, as per usual, weird things started happening in and around the space. So, they held a seance with a local medium, and they discovered the spirit of a six-year-old girl who had been in an accident. However, Ed Warren shared in an interview that “God does not allow the spirit of a child to go into a doll.”
Read more: ‘The Conjuring’ Actress Vera Farmiga Covers Slipknot’s “Duality” At Rock Academy
After the seance, the spirit “infested” the apartment with sounds, shaking items, cold spots, whispering, and more. These instances became more sinister and violent over time. Then, Ed & Lorraine Warren came to their rescue and deemed the doll “demonically possessed.” Per The New York Post, the Annabelle doll is still blessed by a priest and holy water/oil on a monthly basis.
Some investigators scrutinized the tour as the doll was released from her glass case, and they feared the energy dark inside would be released.
The organization also shared in an official press release, “As we navigate the days ahead, we want to share that although we do not know what the future of NESPR will look like without Dan, we do plan to move forward with the events previously scheduled for this year. We believe with all our hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue-bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and honoring the memory of Ed & Lorraine Warren. We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do.”
At this time, the next two Devils On The Run tour stops are still on sale.
The idobi Radio staff offers their sincere condolences to the NESPR, Rivera’s family and friends, and the entire paranormal investigator community.
