He Died Unexpectedly at 54, The Annabelle Doll Was Nearby

Summary

Podcast Title: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: He Died Unexpectedly at 54, The Annabelle Doll Was Nearby
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present, Amy Robach and TJ Holmes delve into a mysterious and tragic story intertwining the paranormal world with real-life events. The episode, titled "He Died Unexpectedly at 54, The Annabelle Doll Was Nearby," explores the sudden and unexplained death of Dan Rivera, a dedicated paranormal investigator associated with the infamous Annabelle doll.

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The Mysterious Death of Dan Rivera

The episode begins with the shocking news of Dan Rivera's unexpected passing at the age of 54. Rivera, known for his role as the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research, was deeply involved in handling the real Annabelle doll—an artifact that has captivated and terrified audiences worldwide through the Conjuring film series.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [03:36]: "He was the man in charge of handling the actual, the real Annabelle doll and taking this doll on a tour across America."

Rivera's death occurred in a Gettysburg hotel room shortly after concluding a three-day tour with the Annabelle doll. Paramedics found him unresponsive, and his death was declared sudden and unexplained. Despite initial reports suggesting no foul play, the proximity of his death to the doll's presence has sparked intense speculation and theories among fans and paranormal enthusiasts.

Notable Quote:
TJ Holmes [04:12]: "All of America are going to believe that she has something to do with this."

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Background of the Annabelle Doll

The Annabelle doll, a central figure in the Conjuring franchise, is more than just a movie prop. It is an actual artifact with a dark history, closely tied to the renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Dan Rivera, a protege of Lorraine Warren, assumed possession of the doll following her passing and embarked on the "Devil on the Run" tour to showcase the doll's purported supernatural significance.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [05:08]: "Dan Rivera is actually the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research... he took over possession of the doll when Lorraine passed just a few years ago."

To ensure safety during the tours, Rivera employed various protective measures, including treating the doll’s box with holy water and incorporating three crosses, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. These precautions were intended to safeguard both the audience and Rivera from any perceived malevolent forces associated with the doll.

Notable Quote:
TJ Holmes [05:56]: "The wood was treated, he said, in the box with holy water. So it's constantly surrounded by holy water. And then he adds three crosses."

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Paranormal Incidents and Public Reaction

Throughout the tour, Rivera reported several unexplained phenomena and incidents that fueled public intrigue and fear. Notably, during the doll's visit to New Orleans, a plantation burned down, and ten inmates escaped from a local prison. These events coincided with the doll's presence, leading many to suspect its involvement.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [06:23]: "Annabelle did not burn down that plantation, and we did not free those prisoners."

Despite Rivera's reassurances, social media platforms, particularly TikTok, became abuzz with theories blaming the doll for these occurrences. The narrative of a cursed or evil entity associated with Annabelle resonated deeply with the public, amplifying the doll's infamous reputation.

Notable Quote:
TJ Holmes [10:34]: "They are going to point to this and say the supernatural exists. And here is exhibit A."

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Details Surrounding Rivera’s Death

The culmination of the episode focuses on the circumstances of Rivera's death. Found alone in his hotel room, the absence of the doll within the room adds a layer of ambiguity to the case. Despite police reports indicating no suspicious activity, the timing and context have left many questioning the true nature of his passing.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [12:42]: "But it is a fascinating story, a tragic story, and just want to thank you for taking the time to listen to it and to us."

Rivera had been actively addressing the public's fears and misconceptions about the doll, trying to separate fact from fiction. His death, therefore, not only marks a personal tragedy but also leaves the enigmatic story of Annabelle hanging in the balance.

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The True Story Behind Annabelle

Robach and Holmes delve deeper into the actual history of the Annabelle doll, contrasting it with its fictional portrayal in movies. Unlike the porcelain version seen on screen, the real Annabelle is a more innocent-looking Raggedy Ann doll, which paradoxically makes it even more unsettling.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [19:38]: "In fact, I'm sure many of you, even if you didn't watch the movie, know what that Annabelle doll looks like. It's so scary, some people won't even watch the movie because the doll is so creepy."

The hosts recount the events of the 1970s when the doll was first introduced, including eerie occurrences and unexplained movements that led to the involvement of the Warrens. These real-life incidents mirror the horror depicted in the films, adding credibility to the doll's sinister reputation.

Notable Quote:
TJ Holmes [25:17]: "And this now is how on their website, and I put it here in quotes, Robes, you could take it, you read it. But talking about when he was awake and couldn't move, this is how they describe what he experienced with the Annabelle doll."

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Public Speculation and Ongoing Mystery

The episode concludes by highlighting the persistent public fascination and speculation surrounding Rivera's death and the Annabelle doll. Despite official reports dismissing supernatural involvement, the intertwining of real events with paranormal lore ensures that the mystery remains unsolved and continues to captivate audiences.

Notable Quote:
Amy Robach [29:17]: "So with the movies, this is their... Amityville Horror would probably be the most famous case... But this particular artifact, this one doll has to be the thing that we recognize with him so often."

The tragic story of Dan Rivera serves as a poignant reminder of the thin line between reality and the paranormal, leaving listeners pondering the true influence of the Annabelle doll.

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Conclusion

Amy Robach and TJ Holmes expertly navigate the complex narrative of Dan Rivera's untimely death and the enigmatic presence of the Annabelle doll. By blending factual reports with paranormal theories, the episode offers a compelling exploration of how real-life tragedies can become intertwined with supernatural myths, leaving audiences both captivated and unsettled.

Notable Quote:
TJ Holmes [30:13]: "This is a tragic story right now, and somebody lost somebody they loved."

Listeners are left to ponder the unanswered questions and the enduring legacy of one of the most infamous dolls in paranormal history.

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Stay Connected:
For those intrigued by this story and eager for more, be sure to subscribe to Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast. The girlfriends is back with a new season and this time I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom, she taught herself the law. He goes oh God. Harnett Jailhouse Lawyer and became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her. You're supposed to have your faith in God, but I had nothing but faith in her. I think I was to save souls by getting people out of prison. The Girlfriends Jailhouse Lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget. I think any good romance, it gives me this feeling of like butterflies. I'm Danielle Robay and this is bookmarked by by Reese's Book Club, the new podcast from hello Sunshine and I Heart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Join iHeartRadio and Sarah Spain in celebrating the one year anniversary of iHeart Women's Sports. With powerful interviews and insider analysis, our shows have connected fans with the heart of women's Sports. In just one year, the network has launched 15 shows and built a community united by passion podcasts that amplify the voices of women in sports. Thank you for supporting iHeart women's sports and our founding sponsors E L F Beauty, Capital One and Novartis. Just open the free iHeart app and search iHeart Women's Sports to listen now. So what happened at Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[TJ Holmes]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Amy Robach]

Left a woman behind to drown.

[TJ Holmes]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Amy Robach]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[TJ Holmes]

I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of Podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Amy Robach]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree? Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[TJ Holmes]

And I find the answers.

[Amy Robach]

I'm so glad you asked me this question. This is such a ridiculous story.

[TJ Holmes]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey there folks. It is July 16, 2025, and I know this sounds crazy, but did the Annabelle doll just kill somebody? Welcome to this edition of Amy and TJ and Robes. This is a tragedy. It is a sad story about the death of a 54 year old man. But this was a sudden, unexpected and now unexplained death. And the unexplained part is where now people are filling in the blanks and they're explaining it by saying that the Annabelle doll, yes, that doll had something to do with it.

[Amy Robach]

That's right. Because it wasn't just any 54 year old man. It was 54 year old Dan Rivera, who was the man in charge of handling the actual, the real Annabelle doll and taking this doll on a tour across America. And after he wrapped up a three day tour in Pennsylvania, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that afternoon, by 8 o' clock that night, this is Sunday night, he was found unresponsive and declared dead by paramedics in his hotel room just hours after the tour wrapped in Gettysburg.

[TJ Holmes]

And it doesn't even matter to folks that police are saying there's nothing suspicious about the death, meaning there was nobody else in the room. There didn't seem to be any foul play, who knows what it was. But someone was there trying to give him cpr. But of course everybody's wondering, did that doll have something to do with it? Now I'm sitting here talking about this. You and I are huge horror movie fans and I pray probably, is it fair to say this is our favorite horror movie franchise of all time?

[Amy Robach]

Without a doubt, the Conjuring series. The Conjuring series is by far hands down our favorite horror movie series.

[TJ Holmes]

It's also the most successful franchise in horror movie history. So it's a big deal. So I keep, we just keep saying Annabelle. I think everybody knows what we're talking about with this doll here, right? So I didn't actually realize that they toured with the doll. The doll has been kept in a museum, in a box, if you will, in Connecticut. Supposed to be protected, if you will, but they do take it out on tours. I didn't know it hit the road.

[Amy Robach]

I didn't either. It's called the Devil on the Run tour. And Dan Rivera is actually the lead investigator for the New England Society for Psychic Research. This is a real society that was actually founded back in 1952 by Ed and Lorraine Warren. And Dan Rivera, the man who died, was. Was a protege of Lorraine Warren. She was his mentor, so to speak. And he took over possession of the doll when Lorraine passed just a few years ago. I know I. I said that with extra emphasis. Yes. But he actually, when he took the doll on tour, he talked about the measures he took to protect the crowd and himself from the doll with the box she was playing placed in. I mean, this was serious business for him.

[TJ Holmes]

I didn't even know you could do that. But the wood was treated, he said, in the box with holy water. So it's constantly surrounded by holy water. And then he. It has three crosses.

[Amy Robach]

Yes.

[TJ Holmes]

That are in there as well. The Holy Trinity. And he said, that is what's used. And that sign you see, I didn't know that was real. But that sign we see in the movie that's on the box that they have in there, that where the doll is kept, it says, warning was it absolutely. Do not open.

[Amy Robach]

Correct.

[TJ Holmes]

That's real.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah. So he. He starts these tours, and by the way, everywhere he's been, it's sold out within moments. When. When people find out that Annabelle, the actual Annabel that spawned all of the movies we have watched, is coming to their town, some people are upset about it, and we'll get into that, but it sells out immediately because people are fascinated. And he begins the tour by explaining to the folks who came what he's done to protect them from the doll and tour on Gettysburg. He began by joking because he had seen what was going on online when the doll went to New Orleans back in May. Apparently there were some major events that happened the day she left, including a historic plantation that burned down. Remember those 10 inmates that escaped the New Orleans prison? People were pointing to Annabelle and saying she caused these things to happen. So Dan Rivera this weekend was joking. Hey, by the way, Annabelle did not burn down that plantation, and we did not free those prisoners. So he was joking about the viral online tiktoks that had taken place, where people were actually concerned and blaming Annabelle for problems.

[TJ Holmes]

You know, that tells you something, the level of unease that people. He tried to calm a crowd down that was there to see the doll. But it's. That tells you it's become such a part of culture, and we all have a fascination with the paranormal, and this is one that has been researched and researched and researched by two people who are believed to be pioneers of the paranormal, Ed and Lorraine Warren. If anybody is going to be believed as legit when it comes to this stuff, they have at least built a reputation over 50 years of doing this stuff. And then give the movies have made it wildly popular. So people are scared. Is damn doll.

[Amy Robach]

And in terms of the legitimizing of this couple, you know, some people, this may not hold that much weight, but Ed Warren is the only non priest who was allowed by the Catholic church or was recognized by the Catholic church as a demonologist. That is true. And was brought in to look at certain cases of possession. And I think we've all heard about the Amityville Horror. Well, they were involved with that as well. So the Haunting in Connecticut, the Haunting, the Conjuring franchise. Some of these movies we've seen stemmed from cases that they actually investigated and wrote about and gave speeches about.

[TJ Holmes]

So I think without question now certainly with the movies, this is their. I guess Amityville Horror would probably be the most famous case. But this particular artifact, this one doll has to be the thing that we recognize with him so often. So I didn't realize they tore around with the thing. So here we are, he ends up dead. We might not know for a month or so because they have to do a whole full autopsy there in that county. So this mystery might continue. And even if they come out and say, well, he had cardiac arrest or.

[Amy Robach]

Whatever happened, that's not going to calm anyone's curiosity whatsoever. Because yes, that actually would make it seem even more possible, right, that Annabelle had something to do with it. Because people keep pointing to. I mean, if you guys go online and just google this TikTok social media people are going wild with this. But they have even pointed out some of these folks who follow Annabelle and follow the series say, hey, Lorraine. And Ed Warren specifically said, do not move this doll. Do not travel with this doll. Do not touch this doll. So they were saying that Dan Rivera and folks were actually doing exactly what the Warrens warned them not to do. And so that makes his death all the more creepier, all the more scarier. And I don't think you're going to convince folks who believe this type of thing and the powers that Annabel may possess, they're always going to believe that she has something to do with this.

[TJ Holmes]

This is the perfect story for the times, isn't it? It is one you can never actually get a definitive answer. And even when an authority gives you one, you're still never going to believe it. And with social media now, this story will continue forever. And folks will point to this and say the doll is in some way responsible for that.

[Amy Robach]

They are going to point to this and say the supernatural exists. And here is exhibit A.

[TJ Holmes]

No, I look, I have seen a lot enough over the years to where something's out there. Even if I didn't see it for myself, I don't know, I would lean probably into that camp. I think it was years ago. I want to say it was 2019, 2020. There was rumors that the doll had escaped. And so we talk about crazy. People were losing their minds, wondering and actually blaming these people, saying you're actually putting the public at risk by having the doll outside of the home. So that is a little more level than just paranoia about the paranormal. They actually are blaming these people. Don't take this thing out. It's a dangerous item.

[Amy Robach]

Well, you know what? And even if it's possible, I don't know what any of you our listeners believe or not, but if it's even possible, why tempt fate? I was actually taken aback by one. One TikTok person who after the her stop in New Orleans in May where the plantation burned down and the inmates escaped. This is pretty creepy. Now that we know what happened on Sunday, or at least we know that Dan Rivera died. This tiktoker said she just burned down a plantation. Why are we doing this? Gettysburg is her next stop. They were actually concerned about Gettysburg after what they felt had happened in New Orleans. I mean, and they were absolutely concerned and worried and asking the tour to stop. Asking the tour to end.

[TJ Holmes]

Okay. And you can say what you want about oh, come on, that's silly. That's ridiculous to think that's responsible. That's fine. But when it's this close, right when there that wasn't. That's a. An occurrence in a city the doll happened to go to. This is the man who has been handling the doll all weekend. Now, I didn't see robes a definitive but I think a police report. The doll was not in the room. Do I see that right? The doll wasn't in the room. They believe it was stored in a van or a vehicle that was in the parking lot was the last I saw. Did you see anything?

[Amy Robach]

I did not see anything that said that if the doll was in the.

[TJ Holmes]

Room, that would have been a bigger.

[Amy Robach]

Would have absolutely, absolutely seen that reported because that would have been of utmost importance. However, the doll was nearby.

[TJ Holmes]

That's what they say. But again, he's been handling it all weekend. Look, the storyline, at least throughout the movies, it was a part of the Conjuring series, but they did their whole Annabelle series. What three movies? Annabelle, Annabelle Creation and Annabelle Comes Home.

[Amy Robach]

Correct.

[TJ Holmes]

We will have you know that most of what you see in Annabelle, that first movie is actually not true.

[Amy Robach]

It's made up.

[TJ Holmes]

It is made up. There's an opening scene that shows Ed and Lorraine, or at least the actors playing them in a scene, talking to some students. That stuff is based in fact. But everything after that, I didn't even necessarily realize it. Like the rest of the movie is all fiction.

[Amy Robach]

That's true. But the opening, the very first Conjuring, the one that sucked me and so many people into the series because it was so well done. The opening scene of the first Conjuring, we rewatched it last night after we saw this headline. Is all fairly accurate in terms of the Annabelle story and how it began.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah, the story, how it began. We're gonna get into that in just a moment. Do you know all this started because a mom gave her daughter a doll as a gift? And also we're talking about Dan Rivera. But believe it or not, that is not the only death that has been attributed to Annabelle.

[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Amy Robach]

Left a woman behind to drown. There's a famous headline, I think in the New York Daily News. It's Teddy Escapes Blonde Drowns. And in a strange way, right, that sort of tells you the story really became about Ted's political future, Ted's political hopes. Will Ted become President?

[TJ Holmes]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control.

[Amy Robach]

And he's not the only Kennedy to survive a scandal.

[TJ Holmes]

The Kennedys have lived through disgrace, affairs, violence, you name it. So is there a curse? Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Amy Robach]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. I know a lot of cops and.

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[Amy Robach]

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[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

All right, folks, we're here talking about Dan Rivera, the paranormal investig who passed away suddenly, unexpectedly. And at this point, it's unexplained. A hotel room by himself, on tour with the real life Annabelle doll. And we haven't even said we talk about this Annabelle doll. It doesn't look like it does in the movie.

[Amy Robach]

No, not at all. In fact, I'm sure many of you, even if you didn't watch the movie, know what that Annabelle doll looks like. It's so scary, some people won't even watch the movie because the doll is so creepy. In this movie, the actual Annabelle doll actually looks very different. It's a larger than you would normally expect Raggedy Ann doll. It's. And that almost is creepier in a way because it seems benign. It seems sweet.

[TJ Holmes]

And that red hair that's a little curly or whiny or yarny or whatever it is.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. But it's that old school Raggedy Ann doll that was almost like a plush toy. It wasn't the porcelain doll that you see in the movies. But still just as, if not more creepy because it isn't so intentionally creepy. Does that make sense?

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah, because the thing is actually smiling. It actually looks completely innocuous. The other one does not.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah, the other one looks evil.

[TJ Holmes]

Oh, yeah, it looks like. Well, it still has a weird fate. And it's porcelain.

[Amy Robach]

Yes.

[TJ Holmes]

And it never. Oh, God. Now I don't like it. But we talk about Dan Rivera. Yes. And look, that's speculation online and people can have their theories and all of this, but Ed Warren himself spoke of someone I believe was in the 70s, a young man came by on a tour looking at the doll and was somewhat mocking the doll, almost challenging the doll do something. And what happened to that guy after he left that tour?

[Amy Robach]

He died in a motorcycle crash shortly after he was told to leave the museum. He was mocking the doll so much, they asked him to leave. Leave. He left the museum and died in a motorcycle crash.

[TJ Holmes]

Obviously that can be a coincidence, but when you go through the history of this doll, you will never see something like that and say, well, that was just an accident. The doll itself, though, the history here is fascinating. Again, some of the movies do get into it. There's an opening scene of the conjuring opening scene of Annabelle where our. Those two actors we love who are playing Ed and Lorraine are talking to three. Three people sitting on a couch. Two of them. One of them is a nursing student, one of them is her friend. And the other, who is a guy who doesn't say anything, is also the.

[Amy Robach]

Other on the couch.

[TJ Holmes]

What you're seeing there is a representation of actual real people and something that actually happened. So go back to the store. We're told it was 1970. A mom gives this doll to her daughter Donna, a nursing student. No big deal. But when she takes it home with her friend, that's when robes things immediately start to get. Get a little weird.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. The friends started to notice the doll making small movements. They said the doll would just suddenly show up in a room that they didn't leave it in. Okay, that's super creepy.

[TJ Holmes]

And the little ones, they said just the head would be turned a different way or the leg would be crossed. Just subtle things that they noticed. Thinking they were crazy for a second. But they noticed it enough to where they knew they weren't crazy.

[Amy Robach]

And they each of them individually noticed it. And so it wasn't as if they saw it at the same time. So they were. They were literally comparing notes. And then speaking of notes, they said that they found a note on parchment paper that read help me, help us. And in the movie, if you are a fan, the Annabelle doll wrote miss me with a question mark. So a slight variation, but similar to what the actual story is, they said.

[TJ Holmes]

That was totally weird. Yes. To have those notes show up. The weirdest part, they said, was we don't keep parchment paper in the house. So they had these. Yeah, it'd been weird enough it was on notebook paper that you kept in the house, but now the note, parchment paper. We don't have any. We've never kept any. And it's showing up.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah, they use that. That tactic in some. Several of the movies I. One of my favorite of the Annabelle series is Annabelle creation. Same thing like little parchment pieces of paper left throughout the house. Almost like a hide and seek game or a. Like a scavenger hunt, so to speak. But it's so creepy. But that is supposed to have actually happened.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah. And it this all now freaked them out enough, they decide to call in a medium. The medium is the one who then robes helps us get the name Annabelle. Because the medium was able to contact a spirit, claimed it was Annabelle Higgins, a seven year old girl who died, who had lived on that property before. Of course, years and years later, apparently the doll liked the girls and was just reaching out because it just wanted to hang out and be loved. So the girls, thinking that was the case, gave the spirit permission to enter the doll. And that's when all hell broke loose.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. Because they eventually had to call in Ed and Lorraine and they were like, yeah, the doll isn't possessed by some sweet girl named Annabelle Higgins who is seven years old, who it made you believe it was actually. It's an inhuman demonic spirit trying to possess you. So Ed and Lorraine were famous for saying this. This has always creeped me out. Houses aren't haunted, items aren't haunted, people are haunted. And so perhaps they say demonic spirits, in order to get closer to entering you, the human can enter an inanimate object and then jump into you.

[TJ Holmes]

All this paranormal stuff, that's one thing I can understand. I'm like, okay, that makes sense. I mean, I don't know if I'm silly for that and watch too many movies, but the idea that a spirit is not gonna occupy my couch, it's actually just hanging around waiting. And one of the scariest moments for these women that really took off. And I put it in here in the exact quote the way that Ed and Lorraine at least wrote it on their website and they described it. Their friend Lou that was in the house, he was. If you watch the movie, you all go back and watch the opening to the contra.

[Amy Robach]

It's so good.

[TJ Holmes]

And the guy that's sitting there is the one we're describing now. And he says nothing. It just sits there looking scared the whole time. Yeah, he nails it. Because the real character is named Lou. He was a friend of theirs. And this now is how on their website, and I put it here in quotes, Robes, you could take it, you read it. But talking about when he was awake and couldn't move, this is how they describe what he experienced with the Annabelle doll.

[Amy Robach]

That's right. So Lou claims, quote, he was awake but couldn't move. He looked around the room but couldn't discern anything out of the ordinary. And then it happened. Looking down towards his feet, he saw the doll, Annabelle. It began to slowly glide up his leg, move over his chest, and then stopped. Within seconds, the doll was strangling him. I'd be quiet too, probably unable to speak out of fear in any way, shape or form.

[TJ Holmes]

And again, I am imagining the doll that was in the movie. He saw the Raggedy Ann doll crawling up towards him. That is nuts. If that a true story, can you imagine?

[Amy Robach]

No, no, it's my worst nightmare. That's absolutely my worst nightmare.

[TJ Holmes]

So that was in the 1970s. So folks, that same doll that you're hearing that guy describe, what happened to him is the same exact doll that's being carried around on tour right now.

[Amy Robach]

It's the same, the same doll that, that that man mocked at the museum who then later died in a motorcycle accident.

[TJ Holmes]

Same doll we're talking about here. So how have they been able to keep this spirit at bay all these years? Where they describe what this nurse and her friends and roommates experienced was an infestation stage. So it was trying to, this is how they explain it. It was moving the doll around by teleportation just to arouse human curiosity, trying to get your attention, to pay attention to what's going on over here, get you to make a move. They made a move by bringing in the medium. That was the absolute wrong thing to do. It was able then the spirit to use the medium to communicate. And if you can communicate, then you can manipulate. And he was able to manipulate the girls into thinking that it was a benign little seven year old girl. And they invited it in and all the trouble started. And that is the story of where that Annabelle doll is supposed to be still today, with some spirit attached to it that's trying to get into a human being.

[Amy Robach]

You know what? And it's so scary, but it's really interesting. Last weekend, the day before Rivera died, you know, I was telling you, he was trying to calm the crowd down, saying, hey, she wasn't responsible for the New Orleans plantation burning. She wasn't responsible for the inmate escape. Apparently the day before the doll got there, there was a 911 outage in Pennsylvania in Gettysburg, where emergency alerts were blaring across cell phones, including inside the first showing of the doll. So the beginning of the tour, everyone's phones started having some emergency alert saying 911 was out of service. And so he said, I know that was ironic, but she didn't cause that either. There were just enough little things that were happening that left people on edge. So to have it culminate this last weekend's tour with the death of Rivera, that is simply shocking. He did give the audience, and we'll give this to you, advice. If you think that somehow you have an evil spirit around you or you end up near or around Annabelle, he said that Lorraine Warren told him and he told them, to protect yourself, close your eyes and envision yourself in a halo of white light. That's kind of creepy. Of the person who is leading the tour of a doll that supposedly inhuman and evil that he gives you basically a. A tip to protect yourself.

[TJ Holmes]

I'll take it. And you know what? I might find myself and feel silly about it, but using that tip, why not at some point can't hurt. She was considered a clairvoyant. She was considered someone who could sense auras and spirits around her. I'll take it. This is a fascinating story. It is a tragic story about the death of a man who died suddenly, who was out there carrying on work, who he thought he was doing good work, at least, who spread the word and teach more about paranormal to prove that there is evil out there, to prove the devil is. All these things just to educate. He clearly was dedicated to doing this and was keeping up the work of Ed and Lorraine Warren. So what a legacy. So such a sad, sad, tragic story. And there's debate and discussion like this around it. Some of it's a little harsher and some of the jokes that are out there and people being mean about who they want the doll to go after, some of that. But it just, bottom line, it's a tragic story right now, and somebody lost somebody they loved.

[Amy Robach]

That's such an important point that shouldn't be lost in a story like this, but, you know, it. It remains to be seen where Annabelle will end up, if she'll go back to where she was, if she'll continue on tour. Of course we'll keep our eye on the situation. But it is a fascinating story, a tragic story, and just want to thank you for taking the time to listen to it and to us. And with that, I'm Amy Robach on behalf of my partner, TJ Holmes. Stay safe, everybody. The Girlfriends is back with a new season, and this time I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom. She taught herself the law. He goes oh God. Harnett Jailhouse Lawyer and became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her. You're supposed to have your faith in God, but I had nothing but faith in her. I think I was put here to save souls by getting people out of prison. The girlfriends Jailhouse Lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Just like great shoes, great books take you places through unforgettable love stories and into conversations with characters you'll never forget. I think any good Roman it gives me this feeling of like butterflies. I'm Danielle Robaix and this is bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. The new podcast from hello Sunshine and iheart Podcast where we dive into the stories that shape us on the page and off. Each week I'm joined by authors, celebs, book talk stars and more for conversations that will make you laugh, cry and add way too many books to your TBR pile. Listen to Bookmarked by Reese's Book club on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts are wherever you get your podcasts. Join iHeartRadio and Sarah Spain in celebrating the one year anniversary of iHeart Women's Sports with powerful interviews and insider analysis. Our shows have connected fans with the heart of women's Sports. In just one year, the network has launched 15 shows and built a community united by passion podcasts that amplify the voices of women in sports. Thank you for supporting iHeart women's sports and our founding sponsors E L F Beauty, Capital One and Novartis. Just open the free iHeart app and search iHeart Women's Sports to listen now. So what happened at Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[TJ Holmes]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Amy Robach]

Left a woman behind to drown.

[TJ Holmes]

Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control. Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Amy Robach]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[TJ Holmes]

I'm Bob Crawford, host of American History Hotline, a different type of podcast. You, the listener, ask the questions.

[Amy Robach]

Did George Washington really cut down a cherry tree? Were JFK and Marilyn Monroe having an affair?

[TJ Holmes]

And I find the answers.

[Amy Robach]

I'm so glad you asked me this question. This is such a ridiculous story.

[TJ Holmes]

You can listen to American History Hotline on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast.