Final Days

His death is a mystery. There are several different theories about how he died.

- He was found on a wooden plank outside a bar in Baltimore. He was taken to a hospital, but he slipped into a coma.

- Poe had a pre-existing condition, possibly a brain tumor. His heartbeat was irregular, and he could not consume alcohol without producing insanity.

Theories:

- Poe expected to die before he returned from his trip to Richmond.

- Poe got cholera weeks before arriving in Richmond and had a manic episode. Once again, Poe expected to die before the conclusion of his trip.

- Poe experienced hallucinations and was totally deranged for ten days shortly before his arrival in Richmond.

- Poe was found in the bar-room of the public house, dressed in clothes that weren't like his own clothes that a friend barely recognized him. Poe is unable to speak but mutters incoherently. Unable to walk, he is carried out of the building. He arrives at the hospital unconscious and remains in that condition from 5:00 pm until 3:00 am. When he wakes up he trembles and sweats continuously until the following day. This is followed by constant talking with imaginary objects. He is unable to remember what has happened to him, where he has been, or what has become of his luggage. He thinks his wife is waiting for him in Richmond, but he was not married at the time. During another period of violent delusions, he calls the name Reynolds repeatedly before he calms down and dies.