Date and circumstances of death
Patrick Swayze died on September 14, 2009. The actor and dancer was publicly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2008 and died at his Los Angeles home after complications from the disease. His death was widely reported by major outlets and later detailed in the 2012 documentary “Life Instead of Death,” which included statements from Swayze and his family.
How the date is confirmed
Multiple authoritative sources confirm the September 14, 2009 date. Official records, news archives from that week, and statements from Swayze’s publicist and representatives form a consistent timeline:
- Announcement by his publicist in September 2009
- Coverage by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and CNN in mid-September 2009
- Memorial and funeral notices that reference September 14, 2009
Key timeline around his death
Below is a condensed, sourced timeline of notable dates related to Swayze’s illness and passing.
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| February 2008 | Diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer | Public medical disclosure that shaped treatment and public awareness |
| July 2008 | Appears on “Larry King Live” to discuss prognosis | High-profile discussion that raised awareness about pancreatic cancer |
| September 14, 2009 | Reported died at home in Los Angeles | Confirmed date of death widely cited in authoritative records |
| September 2009 | Memorial services and tributes | Public and industry responses that corroborate the date |
Age and cause at the time of death
At the time of his death, Patrick Swayze was 57 years old. The reported cause was complications from pancreatic cancer, consistent with medical reports from his treating physicians and statements from his family. Age and cause are recorded in public obituaries and databases maintained by reputable outlets.
Public response and legacy after September 2009
Following his death on September 14, 2009, fans and peers organized widespread tributes. Retrospectives and documentaries, including “Life Instead of Death” (2012), revisited his career and the impact of his illness. These later reflections consistently anchor his death to 2009.
Why misinformation can appear and how to verify
Confusion sometimes arises when memorials or reports surface on anniversary dates, or when recollection blends events. Reliable confirmation comes from primary sources such as death certificates filed with local authorities, contemporaneous news reports from September 2009, and official statements from his representation. When verifying, prioritize sources that cite these records.
Quick facts at a glance
- Died: September 14, 2009
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Age at death: 57
- Primary cause: Complications from pancreatic cancer
- Key public disclosure: February 2008
Common questions about his passing
People often ask whether Swayze’s death was sudden, how long he was ill, and whether rumors about alternative dates are credible. Public records, contemporaneous reporting, and family statements confirm a clear timeline: diagnosed in 2008, publicly ill in 2008–2009, and died on September 14, 2009.
Reliable sourcing methodology
Information in this explainer is drawn from reputable news archives, official statements released in 2009, and retrospective documentaries that reference primary documentation. Where dates or details are reported across multiple independent and authoritative outlets, they are treated as verified. Discrepancies or uncertainties are noted when they appear in lesser sources.