Researchers raise doubts over cause of Chilean poet Neruda's death

Spanish forensic doctor Aurelio Luna, together with a group of forensic experts, speaks during a news conference on the report of investigations into probable causes of death of Chilean poet and Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda in Santiago, Chile October 20, 2017. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - International researchers investigating the death of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda raised doubts on Friday as to whether he died of cancer 44 years ago as previously presumed, and did not rule out foul play.

Neruda, known for his passionate love poems and staunch communist views, died days after a coup in September 1973 that ushered in the brutal dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.