Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

The Truth Behind Dan Rivera's Death: Debunking the Annabelle Curse

The cause of death of veteran ghost hunter and Annabelle handler Dan Rivera has been revealed - nearly two months after his shock passing aged 54

SHOCKING TRUTH REVEALED: Veteran Ghost Hunter's Mysterious Death Exposed

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the autopsy results for Dan Rivera, the beloved veteran ghost hunter and Annabelle handler, have been released - nearly two months after his sudden passing at the age of 54. Rivera was found unresponsive at his hotel in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 13th, while attending the chilling Devils on the Run tour, a cross-country event featuring the infamous Annabelle doll.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the paranormal community, with fans and followers begging for the tour to be cancelled amid rumors of curses and dark energies. The legendary Annabelle doll, made famous by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren in the 1970s, has been at the center of controversy since its removal from a secure case and inclusion in the Devils on the Run tour.

Rivera was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania , for his Devils on the Run tour - a chilling cross-country event featuring the infamous Annabelle doll - when he was found unresponsive at his hotel on July 13

Rivera's autopsy report revealed that he died from natural causes, specifically cardiac-related issues. According to County of Adams Coroner Francis Dutrow, Rivera had a known history of cardiac problems, which were consistent with the autopsy findings. The coroner also confirmed that the Annabelle doll was not present in the room when Rivera passed away.

The Dark History of Annabelle

The paranormal legend of Annabelle dates back to the 1970s, when it was allegedly given as a gift to a nurse in Hartford, Connecticut. The Raggedy Anne Doll's history is shrouded in mystery and terror, with reports of it moving on its own, leaving disturbing handwritten notes, and even attacking someone. The case caught the attention of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who believed Annabelle was being manipulated by a demonic entity.

Due to the popularity of the story and subsequent film franchise, the real Annabelle doll was removed from its secure case and included in the Devils on the Run tour, which began touring in May - sparking fan fears the doll's rumored curse would strike

The real Annabelle doll was removed from its secure case and included in the Devils on the Run tour, which began in May. Critics accused Rivera and his team of exploiting fear and superstition for profit, while believers warned that transporting the doll could unleash real danger.

A Tour of Terror

During one of the stops, visitors claimed that the three-foot-tall doll vanished without explanation, sparking a wave of online panic and conspiracy theories. Tensions escalated further after a fire broke out at a historic resort in White Castle, Louisiana, and 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans prison - all within days of Annabelle being exhibited in the state.

The tour has come under growing scrutiny, as fans fear removing Annabelle from her sealed case could unleash dark energy - a move some believe is tempting fate.

Rivera attempted to shut down the hysteria with a TikTok video, but it only seemed to fuel the flames. The tour's dark energy had become a topic of concern for many, with some convinced that the "possessed" doll was unleashing a curse.

A Life Cut Short

Despite his untimely passing, Rivera leaves behind a legacy of love and passion for the paranormal community. He was known for his upbeat, engaging presence, especially when it came to Annabelle. In an interview, Rivera revealed how he built the doll's case using wood stained with holy water and embedded with three crosses to represent the Holy Trinity.

Two nurses claimed the doll wreaked havoc on their lives in the 1970s, so they turned to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (pictured) for help

Rivera's fascination with the supernatural began at a young age and never let up. After serving in the US Army, he founded his own investigation team before being mentored by Lorraine Warren, who taught him how to spiritually protect himself by "visualizing a halo of white light."

A Community in Mourning

The paranormal community responded to Rivera's passing with an outpouring of love and grief. Fellow NESPR investigator Chris Gilloren said, "Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him."

The Warrens had a special wooden and glass case constructed for the doll, and stored it away in their Occult Museum, warning that it should never be opened

Mary Jo Chudley of Penn Paranormal called Rivera "a true legend" and "one of the kindest, most genuine and funniest guys." Rivera's colleagues and friends remembered him as a man with a heart of gold, always ready to help others in need.

A Legacy Lives On

Rivera wrote about the afterlife in a touching 2020 tribute to Lorraine Warren. In it, he said, "My answer was, in life, we leave a piece of ourselves with loved ones and friends on our journey through life until there are no more pieces to give away. You would think that is the end, but, when you look back at all the pieces you gave away, those pieces will always be remembered."

Even renowned paranormal investigator and Ghost Adventures star Zak Bagans (pictured) was not immune to Annabelle, claiming he was left 'very affected' when he crossed paths with her in 2017

In a poignant conclusion, Rivera wrote, "So I say I will never die. My journey has only begun."