Dan Rivera, the handler of the infamous Annabelle doll, has died at the age of 54 while touring the United States with the toy. Rivera, a paranormal investigator from Connecticut, was the primary caretaker for the Raggedy Ann doll, which inspired the horror film franchise.
According to a Facebook post from the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), Rivera died suddenly at an event with the doll last weekend. Pennsylvania State Police reported that he was found deceased in his hotel room in Straban Township, Adams County, on July 13, 2025. No suspicious circumstances were observed, and the cause of death is pending.
Fellow investigator Chris Gilloren announced Rivera’s death on Monday, expressing deep sadness on behalf of the tour team. “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him,” Gilloren wrote.
Rivera was part of the Devils on the Run Tour, hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and NESPR. The tour will continue as scheduled, with Annabelle appearing in Augusta, Maine, on September 6–7; Rock Island, Illinois, on October 4; and Lexington, Kentucky, from October 17–19.
Rivera had previously debunked rumours that Annabelle had gone missing in Louisiana, posting a TikTok video showing the doll in its case at the Warrens’ Occult Museum. His death follows a recent fire at a nearby plantation, but no connection was confirmed.
