Paranormal expert Dan Rivera found dead in hotel room

Renowned paranormal expert Dan Rivera passed away at the age of 54 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Rivera, who believed the infamous "Annabelle" doll possessed dangerous demonic powers, was found unconscious in a hotel room on July 13, 2025.

Despite his colleagues’ efforts to administer CPR immediately, he could not be revived.

Rivera was the lead investigator at the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) in the US as part of the “Devils on the Run Tour,” which featured the notorious Annabelle doll.

Local police reported no signs of foul play in the hotel room. An autopsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death, with the report expected within 60 to 90 days.

Read: Fans compare Labubu with demonic statue of the Simpsons' Pazuzu

In a statement, NESPR described Rivera's passing as a "profound loss," noting that he had been a dedicated part of the team for over a decade and was considered both a loyal friend and a key researcher.

Rivera gained popularity among younger audiences through his TikTok videos, with many of his tours selling out completely, over 1,200 tickets were reportedly sold for the Gettysburg event alone.

Among those who believe in demonic forces, Rivera’s sudden and mysterious death has sparked concern.

Some suspect a connection to the Annabelle doll, suggesting that Rivera’s involvement in researching haunted objects may have played a role in his untimely demise.