FEBRUARY 11, 1968: (Actor) EFREN REYES (Sr.) DIES OF HEART ATTACK

Efren Reyes Dies of Heart Attack
The Manila ChronnicleFebruary 12, 1968

Movie actor-director Efren Reyes, 44, died of heart attack early last night at the Sta. Ana race tracks in Makati, Rizal. Reyes was taken to the race tracks first aid station. However, he had to be transferred immediately to the St. Anne’s Hospital on Del Pan Street, also in Sta. Ana. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Some witnesses said Reyes had just collected winnings amounting to several thousands of pesos and was on his way out of the race tracks when he collapsed. 

An official of the race tracks said he received information that Reyes had won in the fifth daily double race, which paid a dividend of php 13,700.50 for every php1 bet. Even after Reyes had been pronounced dead, Dr. Lydia Joson and Dr. Inocencio Sicat, both of St. Anne’s Hospital tried to resuscitate him by applying external heart massage. At about 9 pm, Reyes’ body was taken to the Funeraria Quiogue on Recto Avenue.

It was his third stroke since two years ago. Reyes was with actor Leroy Salvador and other friends.

Reyes was married to the former Virginia Melevo, popularly known in movie circles as Virginia Montes, by whom he had five children, the eldest being 15 years old. At the time of his death, he was directing a picture titled “Jingy” with Andy Poe, brother of Fernando Poe, Jr. in the starring role.

Jingy (1968)- Efren Reyes last directorial job/ Stars Andy Poe, Paquito Diaz, Alicia Alonzo, Lito Anzures, Victor Bravo, Pablo Virtuoso, Dencio Padilla

Hangganan ng Matatapang (1967)- Efren Reyes' last full-length featured film/ with Perla Bautista, Van de Leon, Johnny Monteiro and Ronaldo Valdez/ Directed by Rey Amigo

See Efren Reyes, The Actor/ Movie Ads Circa 1949-60