Lexington, Kentucky, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The presence of the Annabelle doll at ScareFest in Lexington has coincided with significant injuries to key Kentucky basketball players, including Jaland Lowe and Dominika Paurová. Fans are expressing superstitions regarding the doll’s notorious reputation for bringing bad luck. With upcoming games approaching, concerns about team performance and health are escalating amid the eerie aura surrounding Annabelle’s display at the Central Bank Center.
Lexington, Kentucky – The appearance of the infamous Annabelle doll at ScareFest in Rupp Arena this past weekend has coincided with a spate of injuries to key players on the Kentucky basketball teams, raising eyebrows and igniting superstitions among fans. The doll, which has garnered a notorious reputation for its alleged ability to move objects and cause misfortune, has seen its presence linked to various severe incidents in the past.
Most notably, Jaland Lowe, a pivotal point guard for the Kentucky men’s basketball team, suffered a significant shoulder injury during the Blue-White game on Friday night. Reports from the event indicate that Lowe’s shoulder “popped,” leaving Kentucky facing a looming challenge without a true floor general ahead of the upcoming season. Adding to the issues for the Wildcats, Kentucky women’s basketball player Dominika Paurová will also miss her second consecutive season due to a torn ACL. Paurová originally sustained the injury after transferring from Oregon State, where she was part of the 2023 Elite Eight team.
The troubling timing of these injuries, combined with Annabelle’s display in Lexington, has stirred superstitions. Kentucky sports fans have pointed to Annabelle’s historical influence, as her presence is often claimed to bring bad luck. The Annabelle doll, part of the Warrens’ Occult Museum Collection, is now under the guardianship of comedian Matt Rife and featured as part of a national tour. Previous incidents associated with Annabelle include supernatural events and even the death of her handler, fueling concerns and speculation.
Currently, the doll is displayed at the Central Bank Center as part of a convention running from October 17-19, where visitors are required to pay separate admission fees to access the museum showcasing the doll. Observations regarding the eerie happenings that trail Annabelle’s presence have led many fans to advocate for the doll’s removal from Rupp Arena, positing that it may prevent further injury to their beloved players.
The debate continues as fans speculate about the consequences of Annabelle’s haunting presence in relation to the team’s performance. As the season approaches, the Kentucky basketball squads face a formidable challenge, not just on the court, but also in overcoming the specter of misfortune associated with one of the world’s most notorious dolls.
Background on Annabelle
Annabelle is reputed to be one of the most haunted artifacts globally. Initially a doll in the 1970s, it made headlines after alleged supernatural occurrences began to follow its owner. The Warrens, famed paranormal investigators, added Annabelle to their collection, believing it was possessed by a malevolent spirit. Since then, the doll’s reputation has grown, inspiring multiple horror films and numerous anecdotes of individuals experiencing bizarre incidents in its presence.
The Impact on Kentucky Basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats, with their storied history in college basketball, rely heavily on the health and performance of their players. Lowe’s injury and Paurová’s absence could significantly hinder the teams’ strategies and overall performance as they prepare for the 2023-2024 season. The connection drawn between these injuries and the Annabelle display will likely linger among fans and players alike.
Fan Reactions
The reaction from the Kentucky sports community has been a mix of concern and curiosity fueled by superstitions. Fans are calling for action regarding Annabelle’s exhibition during such a pivotal time in the basketball season, insisting that her eerie aura seems to linger over the court.
Upcoming Events
The Annabelle doll will be part of the ongoing SuperFest convention until October 19, generating conversations that reflect deeper attachments and beliefs in the intersection of sports and the supernatural.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Annabelle in Kentucky sports?
The Annabelle doll is believed by some fans to bring bad luck, especially as injuries have correlated with its recent exhibition in Lexington.
What injuries have occurred among Kentucky basketball players?
Jaland Lowe suffered a shoulder injury, while Dominika Paurová is out for another season due to a torn ACL, which she sustained while transferring from Oregon State.
When is the Annabelle convention taking place?
The convention featuring Annabelle runs from October 17-19 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, where separate admission fees are required.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Haunted Doll Annabelle to Appear at ScareFest
ScareFest Weekend 2025 to Thrill Horror Fans in Lexington
Tragic Death of Stuntman A.J. Bakunas on Film Set
Additional Resources
- WLKY: Annabelle Doll in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Annabelle (doll)
- Fox 56 News: Real-life Annabelle Doll
- Google Search: Annabelle doll
- Wildcat Blue Nation: Injury Curse and Annabelle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Superstition
- WHAS11: Haunted Annabelle Doll at ScareFest
- Google News: Kentucky basketball

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