Annabelle Loses Her Guardian: Dan Rivera Dies

Photo by Jonathan Cooper via Unsplash

Dan Rivera, a paranormal investigator in charge of guarding the infamous doll Annabelle, passed away unexpectedly this Sunday the 13th. Rivera, leader of the New England Society for Psychical Research (NESPR), died in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, while participating in a tour with the group and the doll.

NESPR announced his death with a publication on his Facebook account:

“It is with profound sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dan Rivera. We are heartbroken and still trying to process this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people about the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.”

Dan Rivera and the Warrens

Rivera's work with the doll Annabelle continued the legacy of the world's most famous paranormal investigators: Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens' investigations brought widespread attention to the paranormal community and inspired the film series "The Conjuring."

Paranormal author Ryan Daniel Buell, known for hosting the show “Paranormal Slate,” shared the next message through your account X:

“…Dan helped Lorraine in her later years and passionately dedicated his time to keeping Ed and Lorraine’s legacy alive. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, and a loyal and compassionate friend… What many may not know is that, privately, he and NESPR helped troubled families, just as Ed and Lorraine did… To his wife Sarah and their amazing children, Chris, Wade, Tony, and Judy, I send my love. Dan touched many lives, and we are honored to have been a part of his family.”

The Evening Sun was the first to report Rivera's death. Rivera, an Armed Forces veteran from Connecticut, died at the age of 54. The cause of his death remains unknown.

Annabelle

Rivera was on tour with the doll Annabelle: one of the most striking figures in the paranormal community. Annabelle is a rag doll which was discovered by the Warrens in the 1970s, when the doll's owners reported unexplained instances surrounding it.

According to the original owners, the doll moved on its own, left notes around the house, and occasionally appeared bloody for no reason. Lorraine and Ed Warren concluded that the doll was possessed by an evil spirit and removed it from its original owners. Lorraine Warren has since described Annabelle as “the most dangerous artifact we have ever encountered.”

This story inspired several interpretations, including the famous “The Conjuring” film series. In this film franchise, which includes the film titled “Annabelle,” audiences can experience a highly dramatized version of the Warrens’ adventures.

Since Rivera's unexpected death, NESPR has not confirmed who will be the next guardian of the infamous Annabelle.

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Sources:

• The Evening Sun