Gary Coleman Dies After Suffering Brain Hemorrhage
Friday, May 28, 2010 | Updated 5:07 PM CDT
Family members and close friends were at his side when life support was terminated.
Former child star Gary Coleman died today after suffering a brain hemorrhage, officials said.
The 42-year-old "Diff'rent Stokes" actor, who had slipped into a coma and was on life support as a result of an intracranial hemorrhage, died just after noon today surrounded by family members at the Utah hospital where he was admitted Wednesday, according to hospital officials.
"Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them," the hospital said in a statement.
Coleman had been in and out of consciousness Thursday afternoon, officials said, and was later put on life support as his condition rapidly worsened.
Coleman's brother-in-law told gossip website TMZ.com that Coleman sustained an injury to his head during a fall.
The actor had two seizures that led to hospitalizations earlier this year and for decades had suffered from kidney disease nephritis that resulted in two kidney transplants and dialysis.
In addition to being plagued by health woes, Coleman had recent personal upheavals. He pleaded guilty in February to a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge linked to an April 2009 domestic violence incident as his home.
Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois.
