Dan Rivera, caretaker of the infamous Annabelle doll, dies at 54 while on tour with the doll

Paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, known as the primary caretaker of the infamous Annabelle doll, has died at the age of 54 while on tour in the United States.

Annabelle — a supposedly possessed Raggedy Ann doll — gained notoriety in the 1970s when a nurse claimed it was haunted by a demonic spirit. The doll was taken to the now-closed Occult Museum run by renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, where it was kept in a glass case inside their Monroe, Connecticut home.

Rivera had been touring with the doll as part of the 'Devils on the Run Tour,' organised by Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), founded by the Warrens.

Rivera's cause of death has not been released. However, social media users and horror movie fans speculate that the "cause of death might be close proximity to Annabelle," says Friedman.

A tribute posted on NESPR’s social media page said: "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. Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time."

Despite the loss, Annabelle will continue to appear at the remaining tour stops.