Shannon Price Reflects on Dilemma of Removing Gary Coleman from Life Support

Shannon Price Reflects on Dilemma of Removing Gary Coleman from Life Support

Shannon Price asserts that she felt she had no option but to remove her ex-husband, Gary Coleman, from life support after a tragic accident in 2010. In a revealing interview for an upcoming A&E special, Price discusses the decisions made during a dire time, shedding light on the emotional turmoil surrounding Coleman’s passing.

A Life-Limiting Incident

In May 2010, the former child star experienced an intracranial hemorrhage after falling at his home in Utah. Two days later, Price made the heart-wrenching decision to have Coleman taken off life support. This decision came after medical staff indicated that Coleman’s chances of recovery were bleak.

As reported, Coleman had left specific wishes in his will, stating that he wanted to be kept alive for 15 days before treatment could be withdrawn. However, Price felt compelled to act sooner. She recalls, “He had gone into cardiac arrest, and that is ultimately what took his life,” during the A&E special, titled ‘Lie Detector: Truth or Deception.’

Deciding Factors

When host Tony Harris questioned Price about whether she could have given Coleman more time, her response was a definitive no. She recalled the moment she consulted with the medical staff for clarity about Coleman’s potential recovery. “Shannon, we do not think that he is going to make it until Friday,” doctors indicated, pushing Price toward her difficult decision.

Personal Regrets

Price reflected on her relationship with Coleman, revealing that she regretted both their divorce and her inability to save him. “It was my decision. He did not want the divorce. I was just still at the house… There’s two things I regret – divorcing him and not being able to save his life,” she stated.

She and Coleman had married in 2007, but their relationship faced turmoil, leading to their separation a year later. She was residing with him at the time of his tragic fall.

The Heart-Wrenching Emergency Call

On the day of the incident, Price described the chaos unfolding at their home. She found Coleman on the floor in a pool of blood, having heard a loud thud moments earlier. In a distressing 911 call, Price hesitated to follow emergency instructions, confessing her inability to handle the scene’s severity.

In the special, Price expressed her remorse, saying, “As far as rendering aid, I could have helped him a little bit more,” acknowledging her emotional struggle during that chaotic time.

Clearing Her Name

Despite the scrutiny surrounding the events leading to Coleman’s death, Price maintained her innocence. She clarified that she has never faced charges in relation to this heartbreaking incident. Police officials previously indicated that there was nothing suspicious about Coleman’s death, labeling it an accident rather than a criminal act.

“There was absolutely nothing suspicious about [Coleman’s] death,” stated Santaquin Police Chief Dennis Howard in 2010. “There is no [criminal] investigation ongoing.” Coleman’s death certificate confirmed this, categorizing his manner of death as accidental.

The Polygraph Test

As part of her participation in the A&E special, Price underwent a polygraph test, administered by retired FBI agent George Olivo. The results indicated “deception” when she was questioned about her involvement in the events leading to Coleman’s accident. This revelation has raised eyebrows and called for further examination of her actions.

Examiner’s Insights

George Olivo expressed his belief that while Price failed the polygraph test, it does not imply malicious intent. “When I say that she failed the exam, I’m not saying that she deliberately, with willful intent, killed him in cold blood,” Olivo clarifies, reinforcing the idea that the truth behind the incident remains elusive.

Olivo noted, “She knows why she failed, and there’s more to the story than she’s telling.” In a further analysis, he suggested multiple scenarios that could explain what transpired, from an accidental fall to a confrontation between the couple.

Price’s Reflection

Throughout the special, Price bids farewell to her past, stating, “I know where I’m at. I’m at peace. There is a reason I am not in prison. There is a legit reason for that. It’s because they did a thorough investigation.” This statement encapsulates her complex emotions surrounding the situation.

A Controversial Legacy

The narrative surrounding Gary Coleman’s death remains contentious, with Price’s admission of regret and second-guessing compounding the complexities of their relationship. Her story highlights the difficulties faced during emergencies and the toll such tragic events can take on familial connections.

The Ongoing Dialogue

As discussions around mental health, grief, and choice continue to evolve in society, Price’s experience offers a personal glimpse into how such decisions impact those involved. It raises important questions regarding responsibility and the anguish that can accompany life-altering choices in times of crisis.

Ultimately, the relationship and situation surrounding Shannon Price and Gary Coleman serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the profound emotional weight borne by those left making impossible decisions.