Patrick Swayze - Niemi Feared Drink Would Kill Swayze

PATRICK SWAYZE's widow LISA NIEMI feared his alcohol abuse would kill him years before his tragic death from pancreatic cancer.

The couple hit a bump in their 34-year marriage back in 2003, when the Ghost actor's drinking spun out of control. They separated for a year, and Niemi reveals she left home because she couldn't bear to watch her husband kill himself.

During an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's talk show on Friday (30Oct09), Niemi said, "He was imploding pretty badly... It was very difficult. I didn't think he would live through it, frankly.

"I didn't want to be there to watch him die. Not like that."

The pair reconciled and Swayze beat his alcohol addiction.

Niemi adds, "We got back together and it was still tough. We luckily had a moment where we walked through the door with a willingness to love each other."

The actor lost his battle with cancer in September (09) at the age of 57.