NEW DETAILS: Gary Coleman In Coma And On Life Support; Family Asks Fans To Pray For Him
May 28 2010, Published 12:42 p.m. ET
Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman is in a coma and on life support at a Utah hospital, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the former child actor, now 42, was admitted Wednesday at Utah Valley Regional Center in Provo for what his family called "a serious medical problem" that landed him in the ICU in critical condition.
RadarOnline.com has now learned that Coleman suffered an intracranial hemorrhage at his Utah home Wednesday, and remained unconscious from the injury Friday, according to a statement issued by actor's family.
After Coleman reportedly hit his head after a fall Wednesday, he was immediately hospitalized and by Thursday was "conscious and lucid;” by early Thursday afternoon, according to the actor's family, Coleman "was slipping in and out of consciousness and his condition worsened."
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He hadn't undergone any surgery, his family said, contradicting earlier media reports.
A source told RadarOnline.com that Coleman's wife Shannon Price and her father were at the hospital Friday morning.
Coleman's Utah lawyer, Randy Kester, said he had communicated by text message with Coleman's wife and that the family did not want to release any additional details at this time.
"Anything they could say would be premature because they don't know the full extent of his condition right now," Kester said.
Price and her father released a statement Thursday to KUTV-TV, a television station in Utah, saying Coleman was taken to the hospital with "a serious medical problem." The statement asks for prayers, adding: "We hope those prayers are answered and that Gary will be able to recover and return home soon."
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Coleman has had a string of financial and legal problems, in addition to continuing health issues resulting from the kidney disease he suffered as a child. Coleman has had at least two kidney transplants and receives dialysis.
Last fall, Coleman had heart surgery that was complicated by pneumonia, Kester said. Three months ago, Coleman suffered a seizure on the set of the syndicated The Insider, though fortunately, Dr. Drew Pinsky was on set and assisted Coleman until paramedics arrived.
"In recent years Gary Coleman has had difficulties, not only with health issues, but also with his personal and public life," his family said in the statement. "At times, it may not have been apparent, but he always has had fond memories of being an entertainer and appreciates his fans for all their support over the years. At this critical moment, we can only ask for your thoughts and prayers for Gary to make a speedy and full recovery."
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