Dan Rivera, Paranormal Investigator and NESPR Lead, Dies Suddenly at 54

The paranormal community is mourning the shocking and unexpected loss of Dan Rivera, a revered figure in the field and lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR). Rivera passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 13, 2025, while touring with the infamous Annabelle doll, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and unwavering belief in the unseen.

Born in May 1971 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dan Rivera was a U.S. Army veteran whose life journey led him from military service to the supernatural frontlines. A lifelong truth-seeker and advocate for those facing unexplainable phenomena, he brought discipline, integrity, and empathy into the realm of the paranormal. He resided in Southport, Connecticut, and was followed by thousands who admired both his investigative work and the heart he poured into it.

Rivera, a father of four, was known for his deep commitment to NESPR and to preserving the legacy of Ed and Lorraine Warren. His colleagues describe him as a gentle, passionate soul who brought both heart and credibility to the world of paranormal investigation.

“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss,” wrote Chris from NESPR in an official statement. “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him.”

The news sent shockwaves through the paranormal and spiritual communities. Tributes have poured in from Rivera’s colleagues, friends, and admirers. Fellow investigator Robert Stachowicz called him “a brother” and praised his generosity, humor, and relentless support. “Dan always had my back. Always,” he wrote. “He was one of the few who would call just to check on me.”

Many emphasized Rivera’s impact beyond the supernatural. Ryan Buell, founder of PRS and fellow NESPR collaborator, recalled Rivera’s support during his personal recovery journey. “Dan believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. That’s who he was,” Buell shared in a heartfelt post. “He was a dreamer—with big, bold ideas.”

However, Rivera’s death has also stirred controversy online. Some have speculated that it was connected to his involvement with the Annabelle doll, a relic long rumored to be haunted. While such claims have gone viral on social media, others close to Rivera have pushed back.

Jason Hawes of TAPS urged respect and clarity. “Let’s focus on remembering Dan for who he was—not turning his death into some made-up story for clicks or attention. Honor the man. Forget the garbage.”

Rivera had recently been on tour with NESPR, bringing the Annabelle doll and the legacy of the Warrens to audiences across the U.S. Friends who were with him days before his death say he was in good spirits, full of laughter and camaraderie. “He touched so many lives,” Penn Paranormal shared. “We still can’t believe this is happening.”

His wife, Sarah Bond Rivera, spoke on behalf of the family: “Daniel carried a light and a brave heart every day through his life and work. We are thankful for the love, support, and respect during this unimaginable time.”

Mary Jo Chudley, a close friend and fellow investigator, described him as ‘one of the kindest, most genuine, and funny guys’ she had ever known. ‘He touched so many lives, helped so many people,’ she wrote, adding that his laughter, wisdom, and unwavering friendship will be sorely missed.

A Devoted Love: Dan and Sarah Bond Rivera

Rivera was also a devoted husband to Sarah Bond Rivera. The couple were married on September 18, 2016—a date they believed was divinely chosen. Dan once shared the extraordinary story behind it: in August 2014, he and Sarah were walking through the historic section of a cemetery in Fairfield when he heard a soft woman’s voice call his name. No one was around. He noticed three headstones behind them and one bore the name Lizabeth Squire. Curious, they researched it and found that Lizabeth Squire was a woman from the 1700s who had three daughters—one named Sarah and one “whom is yours.” They later returned to find the headstone mysteriously gone. Dan concluded, “I was given a gift from the heavens above that day and on September 18th we’ll be called husband and wife.”

That date would go on to mark the beginning of their sacred union, remembered each year through heartfelt tributes. Their love story, beautifully captured in heartfelt anniversary posts and deeply personal reflections, served as a beacon of devotion and enduring partnership.

Marking their first year of marriage, Sarah shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a series of wedding photos that captured everything from laughter to quiet moments of connection. “Happy 1st Anniversary to my best friend, love of my life and soul mate,” she wrote. “I love and cherish every minute we have together and I could not imagine the rest of my life without you!!!”

In the same post, she added, “You are my everything and always will be! Here’s to a life full of memories still to come. Love you to the moon, stars and back a million times!”

On their fifth anniversary, Dan shared a brief tribute, “Happy Anniversary to my beautiful wife. Love you to the moon and back.”

As the years went on, the couple continued to honor their anniversary with personal tributes, photos, and reflections—capturing the evolution of their bond. In a particularly moving update following Dan’s passing, Sarah changed her profile photo to one of Dan and their son Michael smiling together at a pool. In the caption, she wrote: “I’ve loved you from the moment we met. Your eyes, that smile… it was all so written in the stars. You are the love of my life and will be forever. Until we meet again, my love; may you be surrounded by God’s eternal love and gilded light.” The message and photo resonated widely, offering a glimpse into their enduring connection and the love that now lives on in memory

He Is Survived By

Dan Rivera is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Bond Rivera, and their blended family of four sons. From a previous marriage, Dan is survived by sons Danny, David, and Brandon—the latter two of whom he remained actively involved with, including David’s participation in NESPR as a junior investigator. Michael, born on September 27, 2017, is the only biological child from Dan and Sarah’s marriage.

Dan’s legacy lives on not only through his work and the stories he shared, but through the strength, love, and purpose he instilled in his family. He also leaves behind a vast extended family within the paranormal community—friends, colleagues, and admirers—who will forever remember his courage, compassion, and commitment to uncovering truth beyond the veil.

In addition to his field work, Rivera served as a consulting producer for the Netflix series 28 Days Haunted and was credited as a producer for the short film Making Bones (2024). He also co-owned TCD Paracon and Entertainment, bringing his vision of accessible, meaningful paranormal education to the public.