The death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera during a tour of the Annabelle doll has once again brought the chilling tales of "haunted dolls" into the spotlight. With numerous claims already surrounding Annabelle, Rivera's death has intensified the debate about its alleged "curse." In the wake of this, the world's five most terrifying doll museums have also become a subject of discussion.
Dan Rivera's Death Raises Creepy Questions Anew
The night of July 13, 2025, was a shocking one for the world of paranormal investigation. Dan Rivera, a renowned ghost hunter from the United States and a senior investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), was found dead. His death occurred in a hotel room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was on the "Devils on the Run" tour. What makes this incident even more mysterious is that the "Annabelle doll" was present at the time of his death — the same doll considered to be the world's most cursed haunted doll.
Dan Rivera had showcased the Annabelle doll just before the event. Afterward, he returned to the hotel and was found lifeless the next morning. Police found no suspicious evidence, but the timing of his death and the presence of the Annabelle doll have caused the incident to go viral on social media.
Annabelle: A Doll That Has Touched Horror
Annabelle is no ordinary doll. In reality, it is an old Raggedy Ann doll that was gifted to a nursing student in 1968. Strange events began to occur soon after — spontaneous movement, bloodstains, frightening messages, and even allegedly, people losing their lives.
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren declared it a "demon-possessed" doll and sealed it in a glass case in their occult museum. However, it is showcased with tight security at special events — as Dan Rivera was doing.
Was the Doll Really Cursed? Or Was It Just a Coincidence?
So far, no medical or police report links Dan's death to paranormal activity. However, the question is rapidly gaining traction on social media — was Dan a victim of Annabelle's curse?
Over the years, many people who have come into contact with this doll have shared frightening experiences. Some have spoken of accidents, some of nightmares, and even untimely deaths have been reported.
The World's 5 Scariest Doll Museums
If you think Annabelle is alone, that's not the case. There are many museums in the world where "cursed" or "haunted" dolls are kept. Learn about those places that send shivers down your spine just by hearing about them.
1. Warren Occult Museum — Monroe, Connecticut, USA
This is where Annabelle was first sealed. Ed and Lorraine Warren founded this museum to preserve items related to their paranormal case files. The museum is now closed, but its items are sometimes re-exhibited at certain events.
2. East Martello Museum – Robert the Doll, Florida
The doll named Robert is no less terrifying than a horror film. People claim that whoever makes fun of it or insults it is sure to have bad things happen to them. People even leave letters at the museum apologizing to it.
3. Okiku Doll — Mannenji Temple, Hokkaido, Japan
The Okiku doll is unique because its hair continues to grow, even when it is repeatedly cut. It is believed that the spirit of a little girl resides within it. The doll is given special care at a temple in Japan.
4. The Haunted Dollhouse Museum — Texas, USA
This museum offers a real horror experience with dark rooms, candles, and scary stories. The appearance of the dolls kept here is enough to frighten anyone.
5. Maryborough Haunted Doll Museum — Australia
With over 27,000 dolls, this museum is no less terrifying. Strange noises, sudden power outages, and dolls moving on their own have been reported here.
Is the Fear Just a Story or Something More?
The death of Dan Rivera has sparked a debate among horror lovers and paranormal experts around the world. Some consider it mere coincidence, while others attribute it to the effect of a "curse."
