Witness Shares Final Encounter With Paranormal Investigator Who Died A Day After Annabelle Doll Tour

Just one day after he led a chilling event featuring the infamous Annabelle doll, veteran paranormal investigator Dan Rivera was found dead, sparking shock across the community.

At 54, the NESPR (New England Society for Psychic Research) lead investigator mysteriously passed away in his hotel room in Gettysburg, with no signs of foul play, according to authorities.

Now, a close witness who toured with Rivera has described his final encounter with the researcher and why his sudden loss has stirred both mourning and eerie whispers.

Journalist Harrison Jones was among the roughly 400 attendees at the National Soldiers’ Homestead orphanage in Gettysburg on July 12, where Rivera hosted the “Devils on the Run” paranormal tour, featuring the Anabelle doll.

In an interview with PEOPLE, the Hanover, Pa.-based Evening Sun journalist spoke about his final encounter with Rivera.

“He definitely struck me as a kind and very welcoming person, and my heart breaks for his family and colleagues,” he said.

Jones revealed he had been eager to cover the tour when he heard Anabelle was coming to Gettysburg. True to his words, he joined a tour group and began snapping pictures and taking videos.

Harrison Jones recalled Dan Rivera speaking warmly to the visitors while sharing stories and answering questions.

“It was quickly clear that Mr. Rivera was a people person as he spoke with the group. He was very charismatic and quick-witted…he seemed intent on making sure the group was comfortable and could enjoy themselves,” Jones told the outlet.

Jones explained that after Rivera’s opening remarks outside, the group was led into another room where the Annabelle doll was displayed inside a specially built case glowing with purple lighting.

“Mr. Rivera, along with another NESPR investigator, Wade Kirby, spoke to the group about Annabelle’s history and their own experiences working with the doll,” Jones continued.

Rivera even shared that he personally built the case himself and designed many of its features with guidance from his faith, hoping to keep the artifact secure.

Besides being a guide for the Anabelle tour, Dan Rivera had no issues stepping aside or assisting whenever someone wanted to pose for pictures.

Jones shared that he didn’t speak much directly with Rivera during the event because the investigator’s public remarks were already more than enough for his article.

However, he remembered a kind gesture from Rivera toward the end of the tour. “He did ask me if I got what I needed out of my visit and if I had gotten good images during the tour,” the journalist recalled.

It wasn’t until the evening of Monday, July 14, while Jones was working on his story about Saturday’s event, that he heard Rivera had died.

“It was clear from the prior controversy surrounding the tour that his death was going to immediately cause intense controversy and become his own part of paranormal legend no matter what was said,” he explained.

He added that in his own report, his focus was on honoring the man at the center of the tragedy, someone who devoted so much of his time and heart to sharing his love for the paranormal.

Rivera died suddenly on July 13, a day after leading an Annabelle doll tour in Gettysburg.

According to a report from the Pennsylvania State police department, PSP Gettysburg members responded to a call from a hotel in Straban Township, Adams County, about a dead man.

Upon arrival at the hotel, the officials carried out CPR, but eventually, Rivera was pronounced dead.

Following his demise, rumors and speculations regarding the cause of death began circulating, with many linking it to his association with the Anabelle doll.

However, the authorities confirmed that “nothing unusual or suspicious was observed at the scene.”

Meanwhile, an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

Since Rivera’s demise, the paranormal community and various organizations have taken to social media to mourn the investigator.

In a Facebook post, NESPR wrote, “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.”

They also described Rivera as a dedicated man who was eager to share his knowledge and guide others into understanding the unknown.

“His kindness and passion touched everyone that knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time,” they concluded.