Dan Rivera was a 54-year-old paranormal investigator from Connecticut, best known for his role as the senior lead investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). NESPR was founded by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, and Rivera was mentored by Lorraine Warren herself. He was a prominent figure in the paranormal community, having appeared on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and served as a consulting producer for Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted.
Rivera gained significant attention for his involvement in the “Devils on the Run” tour, where he showcased the infamous Annabelle doll—a Raggedy Ann doll believed by some to be demonically possessed. The doll was originally housed at the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, and gained notoriety through its association with the Conjuring film series . Rivera’s engaging presentations and educational outreach helped popularize the doll’s story, including viral TikTok videos documenting the doll’s journey across the country.
Tragically, Rivera passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2025, while in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during a stop on the “Devils on the Run” tour. He was found unresponsive in his hotel room, and despite attempts at CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, though authorities have stated that it did not appear suspicious.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Upbringing
Dan Rivera was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. From a young age, he was exposed to paranormal phenomena, having witnessed unexplained events occurring in his home. These early experiences ignited a lifelong interest in the supernatural and set the foundation for his future career in paranormal investigations.
Military Service
Before delving into the world of paranormal research, Rivera served in the U.S. Army. His military background instilled in him a sense of discipline and attention to detail, qualities that would later prove invaluable in his investigative work.
Career in Paranormal Investigation
Joining NESPR
Rivera’s professional journey in paranormal research began when he joined the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), an organization founded by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Under their mentorship, Rivera honed his skills and became deeply involved in various investigations across New England.
Expertise in Santería
In addition to his investigative work, Rivera became an expert in the rites and rituals of Santería, a syncretic religion that blends elements of Yoruba traditions with Catholicism. His knowledge in this area allowed him to approach cases with a unique perspective, particularly when dealing with entities or phenomena believed to be influenced by spiritual practices.
Media Appearances
Rivera’s expertise and charismatic presence led to appearances on various media platforms. He was featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Places and served as a consulting producer for Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted. These roles enabled him to reach a broader audience, educating the public about paranormal phenomena and the importance of respectful investigation.
The Annabelle Doll
Origins and Legend
The Annabelle doll’s story began in 1970 when a nursing student named Donna received the Raggedy Ann doll as a gift. Soon after bringing it into her apartment, Donna and her roommate reported strange occurrences, including the doll moving on its own and leaving notes. They consulted a medium who claimed the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a deceased young girl named Annabelle. However, the doll’s behavior grew increasingly malevolent, prompting the involvement of Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Rivera’s Involvement
Following the Warrens’ passing, Rivera took on the responsibility of managing the Annabelle doll. He played a pivotal role in the “Devils on the Run” tour, where the doll was showcased to the public. Rivera’s engaging presentations and educational outreach helped demystify the doll’s story, attracting both skeptics and believers alike.
Personal Life
Family
Dan Rivera was married to Sarah Bond Rivera, an accountant at Kent C. Wahlberg, CPA LLC, in Stratford, Connecticut. The couple married on September 19, 2016, after becoming engaged in January 2015. They have a son, David, who works at Aloha Kia Leeward, a car dealership in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. David is described as an entrepreneur and a follower of God, embodying the values instilled by his parents.
Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly available, Dan Rivera’s involvement in various media projects, public speaking engagements, and the “Devils on the Run” tour likely contributed to a comfortable financial standing. His work with NESPR and associated ventures would have provided a steady income, though specific details about his net worth remain undisclosed.
Death and Legacy
Circumstances of Death
On July 13, 2025, Dan Rivera was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during a stop on the “Devils on the Run” tour. Despite efforts by emergency responders to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Adams County Coroner’s Office reported that the death did not appear suspicious, and an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause. As of the latest reports, the official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Dan Rivera’s life was marked by a deep commitment to understanding and educating others about the paranormal. From his early experiences in Bridgeport to his leadership role at NESPR, Rivera’s journey was one of passion and purpose. His involvement with the Annabelle doll brought attention to the complexities of paranormal phenomena, blending historical context with modern investigation techniques. Though his life was tragically cut short, Dan Rivera’s legacy continues to inspire those interested in the mysteries of the unknown.
FAQs
Who was Dan Rivera?
Dan Rivera was a paranormal investigator and senior lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). He gained prominence for his involvement with the Annabelle doll and his educational outreach on paranormal phenomena.
What is the Annabelle doll?
The Annabelle doll is a Raggedy Ann toy believed by some to be demonically possessed. Its story became widely known through the work of Ed and Lorraine Warren and the subsequent Conjuring film series.
How did Dan Rivera become involved with the Annabelle doll?
After the deaths of Ed and Lorraine Warren, Dan Rivera took on the responsibility of managing the Annabelle doll. He played a key role in the “Devils on the Run” tour, showcasing the doll to the public and educating audiences about its history.
What was the “Devils on the Run” tour?
The “Devils on the Run” tour was a series of events organized by NESPR, featuring the Annabelle doll and other paranormal artifacts. The tour aimed to educate the public about paranormal phenomena through interactive presentations.
Where did Dan Rivera die?
Dan Rivera was found dead in his hotel room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2025, during a stop on the “Devils on the Run” tour.
What was the cause of Dan Rivera’s death?
The exact cause of Dan Rivera’s death has not been publicly disclosed. The Adams County Coroner’s Office reported that the death did not appear suspicious, and an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause.
Was Dan Rivera married?
Yes, Dan Rivera was married to Sarah Bond Rivera. They married on September 19, 2016, and have a son, David.
What was Dan Rivera’s role at NESPR?
Dan Rivera served as the senior lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). He was involved in various paranormal investigations and played a significant role in the organization’s public outreach efforts.
