Allan Fernando Reyes Poe, known as Fernando Poe Sr, died a painful death after allowing a rabid puppy to lick an open wound, then refusing treatment. The actor, a star of Philippine cinema's golden age, was hospitalised in October 1951 with severe hip pain, initially thought to be from a pillow fight.
His condition worsened with breathing difficulties and neck stiffness. Dr Eliodoro Congco, a family friend, asked Poe's wife if he had been near dogs. She revealed that Poe had let a puppy lick a wound and declined rabies treatment, believing he would recover.
Poe developed hydrophobia, a fear of water, and died on 23 October 1951 at age 35. His son later said Poe thought the lick would heal the wound faster. Rabies, nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, spreads through infected saliva contacting broken skin.
Poe's final film, Basag na Manika, had its premiere postponed in respect. His legacy includes his son Fernando Poe Jr, a national icon who narrowly missed becoming president of the Philippines.
