Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, 54, died unexpectedly while touring with the infamous Annabelle doll shown in the horror Conjuring movie series, rekindling fears around the allegedly cursed artefact.

Rivera, a principal investigator with the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR) and host of the “Devils on the Run” paranormal tour, collapsed suddenly in his hotel during a stop in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on late Sunday evening. Paramedics attempted to revive him with CPR, but he couldn’t respond.

According to a report by the Evening Sun, the cause of his death is still unconfirmed, making his death more mysterious.

The news was announced by NESPR, the organisation founded by legendary demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. Rivera had played a central role in maintaining and presenting items from the Warren Occult Museum, including Annabelle—the Raggedy Ann doll believed by many to be “demonically possessed.”

The Gettysburg tour, co-hosted by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg, featured the Annabelle doll outside its usual sealed case. In a statement, the organisation said:

“Ghostly Images of Gettysburg was honoured to host the nationally renowned ‘Devils on the Run’ tour this past weekend, featuring a legendary artefact and prestigious investigators from the New England Society for Psychic Research. During their visit, the team experienced a profound loss with the unexpected passing of Dan Rivera, NESPR’s lead investigator. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Rivera’s sudden death has stirred speculation and superstition, especially since the Annabelle doll—kept in a locked glass case at the Warren Occult Museum in Connecticut—was briefly removed for the tour. In May, Rivera had publicly debunked viral rumours that the doll had been removed without authorisation, sharing footage showing it still sealed in the case at the time.