Did the Annabelle doll go missing in 2025? Previous rumor explored in the wake of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera’s death while touring

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera passed away on July 13, 2025. He was an investigator at the New England Society for Psychic Research and was visiting Gettysburg for the Devils on the Run tour. The tour featured various paranormal items from Ed and Lorraine Warren's collection, including the Annabelle doll.

On Sunday, the police were alerted when a hotel staff member in Straban Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, found Dan Rivera's body in his hotel room. Rivera was 54 years old at the time of passing.

According to People magazine's July 16, 2025, report, Abrams County Coroner Francis Dutrow stated that Rivera was with his colleagues on Sunday.

However, he left for his room, saying he felt unwell. The cause of his death is unclear, and whether he was sick or not is uncertain. An autopsy is underway.

The alleged possessed Annabelle doll, which members of the New England Society for Psychic Research are traveling with, was rumored to be missing in May 2025.

The doll's current owner, Tony Spera, told The New York Post that the rumors were false and had been spread because the doll was featured on paranormal tours.

Spera stated that the doll was under "extreme precautions" while it was transported.

"The doll was never out of our control. We take extreme precautions when handling or transporting the doll," Tony Spera said.

 

 

 

 

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More details on paranormal investigator Dan Rivera

Dan Rivera worked as a producer for various paranormal shows, including Travel Channel's Most Haunted Places and Netflix's 28 Days Haunted.

According to his IMDb page, in 2024, he produced the crime thriller short film, Making Bones. It starred Randy Borruso, Joey Ambrosini, and Tony Spera. Ambrosini directed it and wrote it with Spera.

According to the New England Society for Psychic Research's official website, Rivera was a US Army veteran and had been in the paranormal field for over a decade, as he had been drawn to such things from a young age.

Dan Rivera's childhood home was supposedly haunted, and he witnessed paranormal activities there.

The New England Society for Psychic Research released a statement regarding Rivera's death on July 15, 2025.

The society's other lead investigator, Chris "Jeek" Gilloren, wrote on Facebook that they are "heartbroken" over the sudden passing.

"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," the statement reads.

Dan's wife, Sarah, thanked the well-wishers for the support and love. She shared that their family is processing Dan's sudden death.

"Daniel carried a light and a brave heart everyday through his life and his work. We are currently at a loss for words as we process his loss but are extremely thankful for the love, support and respect during this unimaginable time," she wrote.

Ghostly Images of Gettysburg organized the Devils on the Run tour, collaborating with the New England Society for Psychic Research.

The organization shared its condolences on July 14, 2025.

Dan Rivera is survived by his wife, Sarah Bond Rivera, and their four sons.