Jeff Conaway Planning His Funeral, Girlfriend Says

By PopEater Staff Posted Jan 22nd 2010 06:22AM

As Jeff Conaway struggles to recover from a fall at his home that led to emergency hip surgery, his longtime girlfriend is saying the 'Grease' and 'Taxi' actor has sunk to new lows emotionally and is planning his own death.

"He's talking about being burned on a boat and sent out to sea like a Viking funeral. It sends chills up my spine," Vikki Lizzi told E! News. "We're all trying to save his life, and he's not listening."

She blames his addiction to prescription pain killers for his erratic behavior lately, including the fall down a staircase on Monday that reportedly resulted in a brain hemorrhage, broken hip and a fractured neck.

"I don't think he wants to die. I think it's the meds that are destroying his mind," Lizzi added. "He knows the meds are killing him. He can't get off them."

Conaway, 59, rocketed to fame in 1978 with a starring role in 'Grease' and in the same year began his 3-year run on the hit TV series, 'Taxi.' Roles dried up in the 1980s as his substance abuse problem worsened.

In 2008, he surfaced on VH1's 'Celebrity Fit Club' and later on 'Celebrity Rehab,' where he admitted to being addicted to cocaine, painkillers and alcohol.

'Rehab' guru Dr. Drew Pinsky is reportedly back to helping Conaway, and relayed this message to his Twitter followers after news broke of his injuries: "Jeff Conaway's family has asked me to thank people for the prayers and well wishes.Jeff is awake and stable awaiting surgery on his hip."

Comments

(49)

Friday 22 January

By C A M

Vote down Vote up Report this

I believe as long as you are breathing, there is hope.

By Brian La Fuente

My heart goes out to Jeff, I know what he is dealing with is very painful. I wish him nothing but the best, and my prayers are with him.

By Mickerie

I worked with a very young, eager, talented Jeff Conaway in a summer stock production of a play called CRISTABEL AND THE RUBICON in Olney, Maryland. He was charming, professional and nearly had a cat when I allowed another record to drop on one already on the turntable. He gave me detailed instruction on how to preserve and use vinyl records. I followed his career with joy. I just wish there was some way we could go inside him and find that sweet kid who loved himself and the business. Because, inside, I know that there is a well of sweetness and talent. All my good wishes to him now in his torture. Cross this Rubicon, Jeff. You did it before.

By paulstarnyc

THAT VIKKI CHICK IS A DANG MESS....... HE WOULD HAVE HAD A BETTER CHANCE OF RECOVERY WITH OUT HER. DOESN'T HE HAVE ANY FAMILY THAT CAN KEEP HER AWAY FROM HIM, CLEARLY HE IS NOT CAPABLE OF MAKING HIS OWN DECISIONS.

By Marc

Some Viking! _ Just another privileged weakling, addicted to pain killers and whining about the inevitable. _ No burning boat at sea for you Jeff... you haven't earned it. _ Keep on this path and all you will get is a blurb on page 6, and a punch line on late night TV.

By sylviam

holy cow. this serves as news? who gives a hoot? if he lives or dies is insignificant and how the remains are disposed of is of less importance.

By 4me2knw

Linda, so YOU believe the bible, that's your choice, but not everyone does! In fact, there's less and less people believeing that man written book everyday! It's been changed so much by other men along the way too, especially the Catholics!!

By Brent

Never give up on someone, drugs or not. I wish him well. As to Gary Busey's looks...that part is sadly true.

By woodie

hey mike: think this woundnt it be nice if we were older, then we woundnt have to wait so long--when we take our country back can we make that our first law change?-- thanks!

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