Ryan Buell, host of A&E series Paranormal State, hit the road with the infamous “Annabelle” Raggedy Ann doll tour, a questionable choice considering the recent controversy surrounding a tragedy in the paranormal community. On July 13, 54-year-old paranormal researcher, Army veteran, and father of four, Dan Rivera, died in his hotel room after completing the Pennsylvania leg of his “Devils on the Run Tour” with the notorious doll.
Social media accounts were quick to draw conclusions about the doll’s involvement in the sudden tragedy, despite the coroner’s observation that Rivera had a known history of cardiac issues, had unfortunately suffered a natural “cardiac-related” event, and that the doll was not present in the room at the time. The coroner also extended his condolences to Rivera’s grieving family, reorienting the focus towards the fact that there were people who were truly close to the paranormal investigator in their daily lives, rather than holding a simple parasocial curiosity online. Buell, like Rivera, is a member of the New England Society for Psychic Research (NESPR), and he now appears to be continuing to utilize the famous doll’s notoriety to draw attention to his work with the occult, just as the final installment ofThe Conjuringfranchise was scheduled for theatrical release.
Just Months After a Tragedy, Annabelle Is Back On Tour
The Annabelle doll is typically housed at the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Monroe, Connecticut, which was founded in the 1950s by the famous paranormal investigators, married couple Ed and Lorraine Warren. The couple were among the first to investigate the infamous house featured in the film Amityville Horror, as well as the case of the “Annabelle” doll, which inspired the films The Conjuring (2013) and Annabelle (2014). Rivera’s tour was meant to provide the audience in Gettysburg with a “chance to meet one of the most haunted objects in the world — up close, in one of America’s most haunted towns.” It seems that Buell, who was on tour with Rivera, is continuing to call attention to the NESPR through social media by traveling around with the famous haunted doll.
In a Facebook post from May titled “Why we take Annabelle out of the museum,” Buell explained that the Warrens had a tradition of taking items from their Occult Museum on the road, because they understood not everyone was able to visit them in Monroe. The purpose, Buell states, was to educate the public about the haunted items’ histories and the dangers of the occult, which he knew from experience, having been tutored in the paranormal by Lorraine after meeting the couple at one such exhibit. Because of the popularity of The Conjuring franchise, Buell explains that the NESPR cannot invite people into the Warrens’ home any longer, since the overwhelming interest would disturb the neighborhood, and so taking the doll on the road is a way to continue honoring the Warrens’ legacy of educating the public about the dangers of the occult.
Why Ryan Buell Is Ignoring Annabelle
In an Instagram post, Buell is shown driving while he looks askance towards an item covered in a black sheet. The caption informs the viewer that Buell is back on the road with #Annabelle, and provides the “fun fact” that while the paranormal investigators of the NESPR travel with the doll or other artifacts from the Warrens’ museum, they “do not acknowledge” the item. Though his attitude in the video suggests an air of wariness, the caption also alleges that the investigators, in fact, “often forget” the haunted items they are transporting are even there.
Since the Raggedy Ann doll traveling around with Buell is thought to be possessed by a demonic spirit, it is understandable that he might feel easier putting the item out of mind as he travels. The timing of Buell’s recent exhibition of the “Annabelle” doll aligns with the release of the ninth and final installment of The Conjuring franchise, titled The Conjuring: Last Rites. The film stars Patrick Wilsonand Vera Farmiga, who return to the screen together in their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warrens, and covers the case of the Smurl haunting. The “Annabelle” doll is not heavily featured in the film, but the credits include a dedication to Rivera as the doll’s “handler.” Although The Conjuring franchise may be coming to a close, it is clear that Buell and the other paranormal investigators of the NESPR will continue to keep the Warrens’ legacy alive through their work preserving and showcasing the items from the Occult Museum.
- Release Date
-
September 5, 2025
- Runtime
-
135 Minutes
- Director
-
Michael Chaves
- Writers
-
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Ian B. Goldberg, Richard Naing, Carey Hayes, Chad Hayes, James Wan
- Producers
-
Peter Safran, James Wan
