The newest installment in the The Conjuring series has honored the late paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, who passed away while on tour with the authentic Annabelle doll.

Horror enthusiasts worldwide flocked to cinemas over the weekend as The Conjuring: Last Rites finally made its debut on the big screen, featuring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the real-life paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Promoted as the final chapter in the beloved franchise, the new film follows the investigators as they come out of retirement to assist the Smurl family in Pennsylvania, who reported being tormented by a malevolent supernatural presence in their home.

In 1986, the family gained international attention when they publicly shared their belief that a demon was haunting their home, prompting them to seek help from the Catholic Church and the Warrens.

The alleged haunting started with doors mysteriously opening, closing, and unlocking on their own, and lights turning on and off, before escalating to more sinister activities.

The Conjuring: Last Rites hit cinemas at the weekend (Warner Brothers)

From children being thrown down the stairs to parents Jack and Janet reportedly 'levitating as high as the ceiling' while in bed, the tale is undeniably terrifying.

For those who stayed until the end of this horror film, which draws inspiration from real events, another detail was revealed in the credits.

The filmmakers ensured to acknowledge the real individuals involved in the story, including the late Warrens, and dedicated a special mention to paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, who passed away in July.

Rivera was only 54 at the time of his death, and was known for his role as the real-life handler of the infamous and allegedly haunted 'Annabelle' doll.

The New England Society For Psychic Research, which was organizing Annabelle’s tour, announced the tragic news in a press release on July 16.

The credits of the film paid tribute to the 'Annabelle' doll's handler, Dan Rivera, who died in July (Instagram/@dan_rivera_nespr)

In their tribute, they stated: “Dan was not only an integral part of our team for over a decade, but also a deeply compassionate, loyal, and dedicated friend.”

They continued: “He worked closely with Lorraine Warren and stayed by her side even as her health declined, always offering a steady hand and unwavering support.

“Dan was a constant presence with Lorraine and NESPR at local events such as An Evening With Annabelle, where his warmth and professionalism left a lasting impression.”

Rivera was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of his popular ‘Devils on the Run Tour,’ when emergency services responded to his hotel, and CPR was administered, according to local news reports.

Michael Chaves, the director of The Conjuring: Last Rites, later spoke about Rivera's unexpected passing and how the team chose to address it.

He told Entertainment Weekly: "It was truly tragic and unexpected. The poor guy. I think we were all caught off guard by that. We wanted to manage it as respectfully as possible."

Chaves added: "It was definitely a conversation we had with everyone on how to respectfully handle that.

"That was the biggest challenge. It's difficult... horror movies are entertaining and deal with dark themes, but separating that thrilling experience from a real, tragic death, something that genuinely surprised him and his family, was complex to navigate."

Last week, Francis Dutrow, the Adams County coroner in Pennsylvania, confirmed that Rivera's death was natural and linked to his history of cardiac issues.

To reassure the public, Dutrow added in a statement: "It is also confirmed that Annabelle was not present in the room at the time of his passing."