Details Emerge About Gary Coleman's Fatal Fall

By PopEater Staff Posted Jun 1st 2010 04:00PM

Gary Coleman's fatal fall, from which he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, occurred after an "intense 4-hour dialysis session" to treat his kidney disease, his friend Jeremy Spence tells Us Weekly. "Dialysis had taken a lot out of him that day," Spence says. "He just wanted to go home, but he was pretty weak."

Although Coleman underwent several dialysis sessions a week to help curb the kidney disease nephritis, which was responsible for stunting his growth, Spence claims the 'Diff'rent Strokes' actor "had no strength at all" when he returned home at around 3 PM on May 26. That's when Coleman slipped and hit his head, causing a one-inch gash.

Coleman was rushed to the hospital after the fall. The following day, a spokesman for the actor said that he was "conscious and lucid" upon his arrival at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah, but later slipped into a coma.

The actor passed away on May 28 at 12:05 PM Mountain Standard Time with his family by his side. Coleman's manager, John Alcantar, told PEOPLE, "[Coleman] was removed from life support; soon thereafter, he passed quickly and peacefully ... By Gary's bedside were his wife and other close family members."

Throughout his life, Coleman battled various health issues. He suffered from a congenital kidney disease, which halted his growth at 4-foot-8. He received two kidney transplants -- one in 1973 and one in 1984 -- and required daily dialysis.

The 42-year-old actor suffered two seizures earlier this year. The first occurred on January 6, while the second took place in late February while he was on the set of 'The Insider.' During the 911 call from the latter incident, an 'Insider' staffer told the operator, "We have someone having a seizure right now on our stage ... we just need someone as soon as possible."

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Remembering Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman stole the hearts of American television audiences with his snappy and adorable personality on the hit TV show 'Diff'rent Strokes.' Click to See Gary Through the Years >>>

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Remembering Gary Coleman

Former 'Diff'rent Strokes' star Gary Coleman has died at a Utah hospital two days after suffering an intercranial hemorrhage following a fall at home. A hospital spokeswoman said life support was terminated after it became clear he was not going to recover. The troubled actor, who had been plagued with health and legal problems in recent years, was 42.

Remembering Gary Coleman

Coleman was hospitalized on May 26 and it was soon reported that he was in critical condition and in a coma after suffering a hemorrhage. Early Friday, a spokesman had a message for well-wishers, saying Coleman "always has had fond memories of being an entertainer and appreciates his fans for all their support over the years."

Remembering Gary Coleman

Coleman shot to stardom thanks to his role on the sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes,' where he played Arnold Drummond. He made a name for himself with snappy comebacks and the infamous line: 'What you talkin' about?' The show lasted from 1978-1986.

Remembering Gary Coleman

Coleman is seen here posing with Mr. T in a promo photo for the 1983 season premiere of 'Diff'rent Strokes.'

Remembering Gary Coleman

In the summer of 2007, Coleman secretly married 22-year-old Shannon Price, who he met on the set of a movie he was filming. The couple kept their nuptials under wraps for months, announcing in February 2008 that they had tied the knot.

Remembering Gary Coleman

Throughout his life, Coleman had suffered health problems. He received two kidney transplants in the '70s and '80s, and in recent years, he suffered two seizures before his recent fall.

Remembering Gary Coleman

The wedded bliss didn't last long for Coleman and Price. Coleman is seen here in a January 24, 2010 booking photo after he was arrested on a warrant related to domestic violence charges. He later pled guilty to a lesser charge.

Remembering Gary Coleman

Despite not maintaining any steady roles of late, Coleman remained in the public eye thanks to his persona. He's seen here at the 2008 'TV Land Awards.'

Remembering Gary Coleman

Coleman is seen here posing for a photo on the set of 'Like Father Like Santa,' a Christmas-themed movie that was released in 1998.

Remembering Gary Coleman

Tags: Gary Coleman

Comments

(49)

Tuesday 01 June

By james claypool

Vote down Vote up Report this

gary has been sick most of his life so i would gues that he did not want to be on life support if it came to that.i would not want to live on life support eather just let be go.it is VERY RUDE TO SAY SOMEONE CANT SPELL SO GOOD.there are things that you cant do eather [ O DID I SAY THAT RIGHT ? ]

By hatcat

James Claypool, dictionary please!

By Diana

I have seen more than a couple of people that were taken off of life support.
But never, have I saw anyone, take off a loved one so fast in my life, and thats a long time.
I can only hope the police takes a good long look into this.
I believe it was inappropriate my self, to do it so soon.
RIP Mr. Coleman.

By onceagain1011

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

The type of bleed he had was different than Bret's. I'm just glad Gary is out of pain, physical and emotional. He did entertain us when he was young. But his adult life was filled with problems. The plug wasn't pulled too early. It's not stated in this article but he could have already been brain dead, especially since according to his manager he went quickly afterward. Not to mention having been tethered to dialysis for most of his life, I'm guessing he didn't want to be on any life support.

By Danner

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I don't believe he fell down and hit his head because as everyone knows, Weebles wooble, but they don't fall down....

By Mike

all you pulling the plug on life support too early experts get a grip...sometimes, when there is no hope, a person is put on life support until family etc can make a decision to sustain that existence (breathing by a machine with no brain function) , or end with dignity. Theres no monetary gain for anyone in this story. Gary had a hard life and should rest in peace.

By ajgorm

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

RIP Gary (What you talkin about , Willis)Thanks for the many years of entertainment. You taught me that we all grow up after time , you always seemed ageless. RIP.

By mh

After all the years of having kidney problems and other health issues his poor body probably just couldn't take it anymore. He was a very courageous man to live that kind of life and I am sure he will now be at peace. Don't criticize him for anything unless you know what he has been through in his life. Gary you will be missed by all your family, friends, and fans.

By gumwrapper

Anyone consider he might have had brain damage prior to the fall as a result of the seisures previously. The fact that he lived to the age he did is due to excellent modern medical care. I applaud whomever made the decision to let him go and not prolong his life. It is not easy to make that kind of decision.

By rose

I think his wife might have struck him with a sharp object. They have a history of domestic violence. And I also think the plug was pulled too soon. It was the wife, I hear that made the decision. Too coincidental, don't you think?

By Just Me

Are people really this ignorant? The man had died, let him rest in peacce...let his family have their time to mourne.

Wednesday 02 June

By Jen

Gary Coleman fell and hit his head, very similar to when Natasha Richardson fell and hit her head skiing. I think when they unveil the final autopsy report, they'll find that Mr. Coleman had substantial brain swelling.

Are people really this ignorant? The man has died, let him rest in peace...let his family have their time to mourn. (spelling errors weren't out of stupidity, the baby was helping to type and hit add before ready!!)

By BUCKY

Not much news today , when you have to cover this !

By Louie

Bret Michaels story is a total publicity stunt. How are you gonna have a brain hemorage and a stroke and the next thing you know is that he is on every show on tv looking like he just had a vacation in St. Barts?? These dirtbag celebs have no shame. Everything is based on fame, money, and glory. Hope he gets hit by a truck. I do feel terribly sorry for Gary Coleman though!

By Dean

People that like to correct others spelling are egotistical idiots and have no friends.Get alife.

By Jay Love

are these people for real on here? all answers to all questions have been answered by the hospital and authorities, nothing "funny" about Mr. Colemans death. just a sad little guy who was very, very ill and finally his body gave out, with the help of a fall and bump to the head? sorry, no news or foul play here, the police have already looked into it and closed their books on this one!!!

By Tell It Like It Is

Not so bad when grammar off. However when bad grammar used to go off on others, personally, not good. If you've got so much negative opinion, your own house should be in order. Your grammar therefore, should be on key. To say the least. Prior to pointing a finger at someone else. Sad about Gary Coleman. Funny guy, R.I.P.

By dairymn2

He was taken off life support way too soon.Maybe it does have something to do with living will,but still you should love that person enough to give life support a chance.Not to sound rude or anything, but, if you were going pull the plug that soon,should have let him die at home.

By Lee

Dairy that is the most ridiculous statement I ever heard. Natasha Richardson was taken off Life Support 48 hours after her head injury. If the family said their goodbyes, there is no reason to keep someone on life support if that was their wish.

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