Who was Dan Rivera?
Dan Rivera was an American paranormal investigator, U.S. Army veteran, and senior lead investigator at the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). Widely known as the modern caretaker of the infamous haunted artifact “Annabelle,” Rivera gained immense recognition in the paranormal community through his investigations, public tours, and television appearances. His legacy is remembered for bridging paranormal history with public education, making him a beloved figure in supernatural circles.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Dan Rivera |
| Date of Birth | 1971 |
| Age at Death | 54 years |
| Date of Death | July 13, 2025 |
| Birthplace | Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Paranormal Investigator, Senior Lead at NESPR, TV Personality |
| Known For | Caretaker of Annabelle Doll, Most Haunted Places, 28 Days Haunted |
| Years Active | 2011–2025 |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Veteran |
| Spiritual Practice | Santería (Afro-Caribbean spiritual tradition) |
| Notable Tours | Devils on the Run (Annabelle Doll Tour, 2025) |
| Cause of Death | Sudden, cause undisclosed during paranormal tour |
Dan Rivera Early Life and Background
Dan Rivera was born in 1971 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. He grew up in a culturally rich environment and was fascinated by supernatural phenomena from a young age. Rivera’s childhood home was rumored to be haunted, sparking his lifelong interest in paranormal research.
He later served in the U.S. Army, where he developed discipline, leadership, and a deeper spiritual connection. During his military years, Rivera immersed himself in Santería practices, gaining knowledge of ancestral traditions, rituals, and protection ceremonies, skills that he would later use in paranormal investigations.
Dan Rivera Education
While specific academic details remain private, Dan Rivera was well-versed in spiritual studies, folklore, and paranormal history. His education was significantly shaped by field experience, spiritual mentorship, and military training. Under the personal mentorship of Lorraine Warren, Rivera was educated in the classic principles of demonology and spiritual warfare.
Dan Rivera Family
Dan Rivera was married to his wife, Sarah Rivera, and they had four children together. Rivera always expressed his devotion to his family, balancing his high-profile paranormal duties with a committed family life. Despite his public profession, Rivera kept his family mostly away from the spotlight, focusing on protecting their privacy.
| Relation | Details |
| Wife | Sarah Rivera |
| Children | Four children (names kept private for privacy) |
| Mentor | Lorraine Warren (renowned paranormal investigator) |
| Affiliation | New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) |
Dan Rivera Career
Entry into Paranormal Research
In 2011, Dan Rivera officially joined the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), the world’s oldest ghost-hunting organization founded by Ed and Lorraine Warren. After years of mentorship under Lorraine Warren, Dan rose to the position of Senior Lead Investigator.
Handler of the Annabelle Doll
Rivera became the official caretaker and handler of the Annabelle doll, a cursed artifact that inspired the popular Conjuring and Annabelle horror films. He was known for responsibly transporting the doll for educational tours across America and speaking about the true history behind the legends.
Television Career
Dan appeared on several paranormal TV shows, including:
- Most Haunted Places (Travel Channel)
- 28 Days Haunted (Netflix)
He was praised for bringing a calm, informative, and culturally aware perspective to the ghost-hunting world.
Devils on the Run Tour
In 2025, Rivera led the Devils on the Run Tour, taking Annabelle to different U.S. locations to educate people on paranormal history and debunk Hollywood myths. His appearances often sold out, blending entertainment with spiritual education.
Dan Rivera Social Media
Dan Rivera built a dedicated fan base on social media, especially through TikTok, where he shared educational paranormal videos that went viral. His posts often included behind-the-scenes stories of NESPR investigations, spiritual rituals, and Annabelle’s history.
| Platform | Activity Level |
| TikTok | High (viral educational videos) |
| Moderate (tour updates, events) | |
| YouTube | Occasional interviews, podcast appearances |
| Community interactions through NESPR |
Dan Rivera Net Worth
Dan Rivera’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was between $700,000 to $1 million, primarily derived from:
| Category | Estimated Value |
| Estimated Net Worth | $700,000 to $1 million (at time of death) |
| Primary Income Sources | Paranormal investigations, NESPR duties, TV shows, educational tours |
| Major Appearances | Travel Channel (Most Haunted Places), Netflix (28 Days Haunted) |
| Tours & Events | Profitable national tours featuring Annabelle doll |
| Other Earnings | Merchandise sales, social media engagements |
His focus remained on education rather than personal wealth, dedicating earnings to family and spiritual causes.
Dan Rivera Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Description |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (approx.) |
| Build | Medium, athletic |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (graying slightly) |
| Style | Casual with NESPR or tour-branded attire |
Dan Rivera Cause of Death
On July 13, 2025, Dan Rivera tragically passed away in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the last leg of the Devils on the Run tour. Found unresponsive in his hotel room, attempts at CPR failed, and he was pronounced dead at age 54. The exact medical cause of death has not been publicly released.
His sudden demise shocked the paranormal world, especially since it happened while touring with the Annabelle doll, an eerie coincidence that added to his legendary status.
Interesting Facts About Dan Rivera
- Dan was personally trained by Lorraine Warren, one of the most famous paranormal investigators in history.
- He practiced Santería, using spiritual protection rituals during investigations.
- He never allowed anyone to disrespect the Annabelle doll during tours, warning about its dangerous energy.
- Dan contributed to Netflix’s 28 Days Haunted as a consulting producer.
- He inspired thousands of young paranormal enthusiasts through TikTok.
- Rivera conducted cleansing rituals for haunted homes across the U.S.
- His legacy lives on through NESPR’s educational programs.
FAQs
Q1 Who was Dan Rivera?
Dan Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran and renowned paranormal investigator, known as Annabelle’s caretaker and a senior lead investigator at NESPR.
Q2 How did Dan Rivera die?
He passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2025, during the Devils on the Run tour in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Q3 Was Dan Rivera married?
Yes, he was married to Sarah Rivera and had four children.
Q4 What was Dan Rivera’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated between $700,000-$1 million.
Q5 Was Dan Rivera on television?
Yes, Dan featured in Most Haunted Places, 28 Days Haunted, and other paranormal media projects.
Q6 What was Dan Rivera’s famous tour?
The Devils on the Run Tour, showcasing Annabelle and other haunted artifacts.
Q7 Did Dan Rivera work with the Warrens?
Yes, he was mentored by Lorraine Warren and carried forward her paranormal legacy through NESPR.
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