EXCLUSIVE: Gary Coleman Funeral Set For This Weekend In Utah
June 1 2010, Published 6:09 a.m. ET
The funeral for Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman will take place at the end of the week in Utah, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.
Family and friends of the diminutive 4 ft 8 inch tall actor are planning to hold the ceremony at a funeral home in Salt Lake City.
But they do not know if it will be a private family affair, or if it will be open to the public to commemorate Coleman’s life.
Coleman's lawyer Randy Kester said: “The funeral will take place towards the end of the week either Friday or Saturday in Salt Lake City.
“It will be at a funeral home and the family is still deciding if it will be a private event or it will be open to his fans too.
“Although Gary was not a deeply religious person he did believe in an after life. Although I cannot discuss personal details like if he had a legal will or if he will be buried or cremated.
“I just spoke with his wife Shannon and she is still shocked that Gary has gone,but she is getting on with planning the funeral now and taking care of the business aspect of things.
“I’m not aware that Gary had mountains of debt or anything like that and he was getting-by doing jobs here and there.
“It’s sad that he died aged only 42, but the doctors did not think he would make it past 25 because all of his health issues.”
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Sadly, Coleman died Friday after suffering a fall on Wednesday at the home he shared with Shannon Price in Santaquin City, 55 miles outside Salt Lake City in Utah. That fall cause an intracranial hemorrhage and Gary slipped into a coma.
RadarOnline.com was first to report news of his death, and we’ve also learned that after a very rocky marriage Gary and wife Shannon had reconciled.
In fact, Shannon and her father were at Gary’s side when the star passed away.
A family friend told RadarOnline.com: “It’s so sad because Gary and Shannon had really been trying to help one another in recent weeks.
“He had long-standing health problems and she had not been feeling too well either but despite all of their difficulties in the past Shannon and her family were always very supportive of Gary.
“After his fall they were all gravely concerned about his health.”
Coleman’s manager released this statement: “We are very sad to have to report Mr. Gary Coleman has passed away as of 12:05PM Mountain Time. He was removed from life support; soon thereafter, he passed quickly and peacefully. By Gary’s bedside were his wife and other close family members.
‘Thanks to everyone for their well wishing and support during this tragic time. Now that Gary has passed, we know he will be missed because of all the love and support shown in the past couple of days. Gary is now at peace and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years.’