Confirmed facts: what is verified about Patrick Swayze’s death
Patrick Swayze died on 14 September 2009 at age 57. His death was publicly confirmed on 15 September 2009, following a years long, highly private battle with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. Cause of death was multi-factorial, primarily cancer progression, with pneumonia as a terminal event. This verified explainer presents the timeline, clinical details, and sources accepted by medical and mainstream reports, avoiding speculation and unverified claims.
Pertinent dates and verified milestone table
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 (spring) | Diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer | Established the underlying condition driving later medical events |
| 14 September 2009 | Date of death | Primary factual anchor for records and memorials |
| 15 September 2009 | Public confirmation of death by publicist and family | Marks official public acknowledgment used by media and institutions |
| 19 September 2009 | Private funeral service | Official disposition remains respectfully private |
| 19 September 2009 | Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) | Location of burial consistent with verified memorial records |
Clinical and proximate medical causes
Patrick Swayze’s proximate cause of death was respiratory failure due to pneumonia in the context of advanced pancreatic cancer. Oncological decline and treatment related complications are recorded as significant contributing conditions. Public statements from his medical team avoided granular details, but authoritative biographies and memorial notices consistently describe cancer progression with pneumonia as the immediate terminal event.
Commonly asked details about his death
- Location: Home in Los Angeles, California, USA; specifics of care setting were not publicly disclosed.
- Age at death: 57 years old.
- Time between diagnosis and death: Approximately 1 year and 4 months, consistent with typical trajectories for metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma under records available at the time.
- Family statement: A short family-issued statement confirmed the date, place (home), and that he died with family present.
Addressing rumors and misinformation
In the hours and days after his death, inaccurate reports circulated regarding alternative treatment timelines, unverified claims about experimental therapies, and speculative commentary on personal choices. Reliable sources, including mainstream obituaries and statements from his publicist, align on the basic medical facts above. When reconciling conflicting information, prioritize contemporaneous official statements and established biographies over unverified social posts.
Context and legacy framing
Patrick Swayze’s death is recorded as a high-profile example of pancreatic cancer outcomes in a middle aged, previously active performer. Public memory of him remains closely tied to his work in film and dance, and his passing is documented as a factual event in cultural and medical references. Accurate reporting of his death supports respectful remembrance and reduces the spread of unverified claims.
Key takeaways
- Patrick Swayze died on 14 September 2009 at age 57.
- Primary cause: cancer progression with pneumonia as the terminal event.
- Death occurred at home in Los Angeles; family confirmation issued 15 September 2009.
- Diagnosed in 208 with pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer; survived approximately 1years.
- Buried privately at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills).