The visit of a doll shrouded in paranormal legend ended in tragedy this past weekend in Gettysburg with the unexpected passing of a key figure behind its national tour. Dan Rivera, 54, a U.S. Army veteran and lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), died suddenly on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the group’s stop in the historic Pennsylvania town. His death was announced by NESPR in a statement released Monday evening.

Dan Rivera had become a recognizable face in the paranormal community, particularly through his prominent role in the “Devils on the Run Tour.” The tour, organized by NESPR, featured the infamous Annabelle doll believed by many to be haunted being taken across the country to various reportedly haunted locations. Dan Rivera’s deep passion for the supernatural, combined with his military background and investigative skills, made him a respected figure both within the society and among fans of the paranormal.

Throughout the tour, Dan Rivera and fellow NESPR members shared chilling stories, offered insight into their investigations, and educated audiences about the mysterious object’s dark history. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the community, and he is being remembered for his dedication, warmth, and lifelong commitment to uncovering the unknown.

On Sunday evening, after 8 p.m., Adams County dispatch scanner archives reveal that emergency services were dispatched to a Gettysburg hotel. Firefighters and medical personnel responded to a call reporting CPR in progress on a male patient. The individual was identified as being of Dan Rivera‘s age.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Adams County Coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed to the Evening Sun that a death investigation is underway. The cause of death for Rivera remains pending as authorities await the results of an autopsy. The Coroner’s office indicated that the final autopsy results could take several months to be conclusive.

Dan Rivera’s death the Gettysburg leg of the “Devils on the Run Tour

Personnel from the Adams County Coroner’s office have provided additional information regarding the ongoing death investigation, stating that the circumstances surrounding Dan Rivera’s passing do not appear to be suspicious. It was further confirmed that Rivera was discovered alone in his hotel room at the time of his death. Following the discovery, both the Pennsylvania State Police and the coroner’s office promptly responded to the hotel room to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident.

The Adams County Coroner’s office is mandated to investigate any deaths occurring within Adams County that are sudden, suspicious, violent, or otherwise unexplained, as outlined in an informational document on their official website. This mandate extends to routine death investigations for individuals who may appear to have died from natural causes but were not under the care of a physician or lacked a comprehensive medical history. The aim of these investigations is to ascertain the cause and manner of death and to determine if there is any indication of criminal activity.

Rivera was instrumental in catapulting the tour to international fame, largely through his extensive public outreach efforts. He produced numerous viral TikTok videos alongside paranormal investigator Ryan Daniel Buell, documenting the doll’s journey across the country. These videos collectively amassed millions of views, significantly boosting the tour’s profile.

In recent months, the tour had attracted substantial publicity, though not all of it was positive. In several locations, the tour even ignited outrage among individuals who took to social media, driven by superstitions surrounding the doll’s storied and often controversial past.

the news of Rivera’s passing on Monday evening, the paranormal community saw an immediate and widespread outpouring of tributes and memorials. Across various platforms, individuals remembered Rivera for his profound passion for sharing the paranormal. He was also consistently honored as a caring husband, father, and friend, highlighting the deep personal connections he fostered within and beyond the community.