Dan Rivera, ‘Annabelle’ doll handler dies while on tour in Pennsylvania

Dubai: Dan Rivera, the lead paranormal investigator and handler of the ‘haunted’ Annabelle doll dies in Pennsylvania, while on tour with the doll.

The news was shared on Facebook by Chris, a member of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), which read, “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.”

And additional statement was shared on the Facebook page that said Rivera, who was a US Army veteran, served both his country and the people around him.

“He worked closely with Lorraine Warren and remained by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support. Dan was a constant presence with Lorraine and NESPR at local events such as An Evening with Annabelle, where his warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression,” the statement read.

The statement also asked fans to give the family privacy as they mourn their loss.

While his cause of death has not been revealed, the tour and other planned events are said to continue according to the statement. “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,” the statement read.

“We believe with all hearts that Dan would have wanted the work to continue – bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and honouring the memory of Ed and Lorraine warren. We will carry his spirit with us in everything we do.”

Earlier this year in May, rumours that the ‘haunted’ Annabelle doll was missing while on tour, was circulating on the internet. However, Rivera addressed the rumours via a TikTok video he shared, which clarified the doll was indeed safe and still locked up in her box.