Patrick Swayze's Younger Brother Has Died – Here's What We Know About the Cause

The Swayze family has once again been thrown into mourning and deep grief following the death of Patrick Swayze's younger brother.

Sean Swayze, the younger brother of the late actor Patrick Swayze, passed away at the age of 63 on December 15, 2025. The news was shared by his cousin, Rachel Leon. She paid tribute to Sean with an emotional message that offered a glimpse into his life and the kind of person he was.

Cause of Death Revealed in Chilling Detail

According to his death certificate, Sean died in Los Angeles. The cause of death was listed as an upper gastrointestinal bleed. It stemmed from severe metabolic acidosis, esophageal varices, and alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

At the time of his passing, Sean worked as an entertainment Teamster. He is survived by his two children, daughter Cassie Swayze and son Kyle Swayze.

Touching Family Tribute Paints a Picture of Sean

Following Sean's death, his cousin Rachel shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She posted a recent photo of Sean taken to promote a "Dirty Dancing" crawfish-themed event. This was a project her daughter, a marketing manager, had organized to honor the late Patrick.

"We sent the T-shirts to Sean, who wore them proudly for us. He was always fun and full of life," Rachel said. She also recalled recent conversations about Sean planning a visit to Texas to spend time with the family, a trip she had been eagerly anticipating.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his brother, Don Swayze, and his children, Cassie Swayze, Kyle Swayze, and Jesse Swayze. We are praying hard for the entire family during this difficult time," penned Rachel.

She concluded by expressing love and support to Sean's family during this difficult time. Rachel also told Sean that he was loved and would be dearly missed.

Fans Moved to Tears by the Loss

Sean Swayze's death marks another sorrowful chapter for the Swayze family, who continue to reflect on the lives and legacies of their loved ones. Fans paid tribute to the Swayze brothers in touching messages online.

One fan reflected on their lasting legacy, "Two Shining Stars in the Sky now. Rest in Peace, Swayze Brothers🕊." Another person pointed out Sean's age, "So sad. That's young these days😥." The grief was echoed by many, with one fan simply saying, "Wow, how sad 😔 😟 🙁 😥."

Others found comfort in their losses, commenting, "They’re together now 😢." Each reaction captured the heartfelt sorrow at Sean's passing.

Remembering Patrick: A Legend Lost Too Soon

Sean's brother, Patrick, gained fame for his performances in "The Outsiders," "Dirty Dancing," "Ghost," and several other films. He passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 in 2009.

His publicist, Annett Wolf, said in a statement at the time, "Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months." In early March 2008, his doctor, Dr. George Fisher, confirmed that the actor was battling the disease.

Before his passing, Patrick took on the lead role in A&E Network's "The Beast," which premiered in January 2009. He had agreed to play an undercover FBI agent before learning of his diagnosis. The network committed to filming a full season after Patrick showed positive responses to his cancer treatment.

In an interview that same month with ABC's Barbara Walters, he described the work on the show as grueling, involving 12-hour days in Chicago, Illinois, and performing his own stunts. Yet he added that the character "just felt right for my soul."

"If I leave this Earth, I want to leave this Earth just knowing I've tried to give something back and tried to do something worthwhile with myself. And that keeps me going, that gets me up in the morning. My work ... is my legacy," he replied when he was asked why he chose to do the show.

"The Beast" was canceled in June 2009 due to Patrick's illness, after doctors informed him that the cancer had spread to his liver. He later passed away, leaving behind his wife, Lisa Niemi Swayze, to whom he had been married for over 30 years.

Continuing the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer and Carrying the Family Legacy

In 2024, Lisa partnered with the nonprofit Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise awareness about the disease and boost funding for research. She explained that her involvement was motivated by a desire to continue the fight Patrick Swayze had waged against pancreatic cancer.

"Just because he is gone, it doesn't mean it's over, and I want to keep it going for him," Lisa said, reaffirming her commitment to honoring her late husband's legacy through her advocacy and work.

With Sean's passing, his brother Don is the surviving member of the Swayze brothers. Don has made his own mark as an actor, appearing in projects such as "True Blood," "Passenger," "Drop Zone," and "Evasive Action," continuing the family's presence in Hollywood.