Matt Rife becomes “legal guardian” of Annabelle doll after sudden death of US handler
The notorious Annabelle doll has fallen into the lap of American comedian and actor Matt Rife, only weeks after the sudden death of its previous US handler.
Only three weeks after paranormal investigator Dan Rivera died suddenly while on tour with the reportedly possessed doll Annabelle, Rife has claimed ownership. Her apparent mythical powers have inspired the huge blockbuster film of the same name.
Rivera was on his sold-out and infamous ‘Devils on the Run Tour,’ during which he took Annabelle to different locations so ticketholders could meet the doll. Rivera, who passed away aged 54, was found unresponsive in his hotel room on July 13th. The doll was reportedly in his van in the parking lot.
Now, Rife and fellow YouTuber Elton Castee have reportedly obtained guardianship of the Warren’s collection, including the doll. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren previously owned the estate. The sale is valid for at least five years after purchasing their home and the Connecticut museum.
Rife explained the news with a video on social media in which he gushed, “This might be the most important and prominent piece of paranormal history in the world.” He spoke of the paranormal legacy he is now subsumed into. He adds, “We are the legal guardians and caretakers of 750 items.” They do not own the items, however, he stressed.
Through the new partnership, fans can book a night or weekend to investigate the history of the house and all the artefacts inside the museum. In the comment section, he clarified, “There are no tours. It will be operated as an Airbnb, with supervised tours into the museum. Until our own museum is open separately!”
In a separate post, he wrote of his passion for paranormal pursuits, adding, “If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted. You also may know The Conjuring films are my favorite scary movies of all time. So I’m incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history.”
He added, “Ed and Lorain Warren arguably put demonology and paranormal into the mainstream and are the very heart of some of the most famous haunted stories of all time, The Conjuring House, Amityville Horror, et…”
Rife, a 29-year-old who is known for his self-produced comedy specials Only Fans, Matthew Steven Rife, and Walking Red Flag, did not mention the recent death surrounding the doll, who has now been placed back in the museum. Perhaps Rife and Castee believe that if she remains in her rightful home, she won’t cause too much chaos. Only time will tell.
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