Dan Rivera/Instagram Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died suddenly while showcasing the famous Annabelle doll that has inspired several entries inThe Conjuringfranchise. Rivera, 54, a senior lead investigator for the Connecticut-based New England Society for Psychic Research, died on Sunday, July 13, during his visit to Gettysburg, Penn., as part of the company'sDevils on the Runtour. In a statement shared onInstagram, NESPR lead investigator Chris Gilloren announced the news. "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," read the post. "Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time." Travel Channel Per theEvening Sun, emergency crews responded to the Gettysburg hotel on Sunday, where CPR was administered on the tour guide. A cause of death has not been disclosed. The New England Society for Psychic Research did not immediately respond toEntertainment Weekly's request for comment. According tothe society's website,Rivera was a Bridgeport, Conn. native who had worked on paranormal research and investigations for over 10 years. He previously served in the U.S. Army. "At an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home," hisbioread. Rivera, who was also a consulting producer on the Netflix show28 Days Haunted,was frequently featured on NESPR's social media accounts advertising events and offering fans a look at various haunted objects. Gregory Smith/Warner Bros. Want more movie news? Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free newsletterto get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more. As part of theDevils on the Runtour, Rivera was showcasing the Raggedy Ann doll, named "Annabelle," that the New England Society for Psychic Research described as "demonically possessed." The doll's origins date back to 1968, and serves as one of the most famous cases taken on by paranormal investigators and NESPR founders Ed and Lorraine Warren — the couple whose careers and case files have inspiredThe Conjuringfranchise. Annabelle first appeared in 2013'sThe Conjuringbefore receiving her own spin-off franchise: 2014'sAnnabelle, 2017'sAnnabelle: Creation, and 2019'sAnnabelle Comes Home. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
