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Did Gary Coleman’s “Wife” Have Authority To End Life Support?

Reports have been circulating the net that Gary Coleman and his wife, Shannon Price, weren’t married at the time of his death. The couple allegedly divorced back in 2008. If true, this calls into question whether Price had power attorney and was authorized to request that doctors end life support. Price referred to Gary as her husband on her 911 call and allegedly also claimed to be his wife at the hospital.

Here’s more from the LA Times:

Gary Coleman was legally divorced from Shannon Price at the time of his death, according to numerous reports Wednesday.

The actor, who died of brain hemorrhage complications Friday, wed Price in 2007 when she was 22 years old. “Entertainment Tonight” says it has obtained documents showing the marriage was dissolved in 2008 under the names John and Jane Doe.

Considering that Coleman went on life support after falling at his home and undergoing surgery, the divorce raises the question: Did Price have the authority to pull the plug?

“We had no indication that the information Shannon gave us was false,” a rep for Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, where Coleman was treated, told “ET.” “She portrayed herself as his wife.”

Coleman’s former attorney Randy Kester confirmed to People magazine that “they’ve been divorced since August 12, 2008. At the time of Gary’s death, they were not married. I have no knowledge if they were ever remarried.”

Remarriage would entitle her to such authority in medical decisions. An agent for the couple,Shielia Erickson, told People she was waiting for word from Price on the matter.

While the medial center is investigating the issue further, Coleman’s family is naturally curious.

“It’s too early for us to comment on this. Of course we’re concerned, but we need to find out more information,” Coleman’s mother, Sue, told the magazine.

Funeral arrangements have begun, and Erickson maintains that Price’s concern is to follow Coleman’s wishes to the letter.

“We’re looking at Gary’s wishes in the will and also what the family wants,” Erickson said, calling it Price’s “only goal.”

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