Answer: when did Gary Coleman die?
Gary Coleman died on May 28, 2010. The actor, best known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes, passed at age 42 in Provo, Utah, following complications from a head injury sustained from a fall. His death was ruled the result of an epidural hematoma with contributory factors of acute intoxication from medications. This verified summary provides a concise, factual account for those seeking a status_clarifier and evergreen_profile on Coleman’s life and death.
Career context and public profile
Born February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, Gary Coleman rose to prominence as a child star on the television series Diff’rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. The show highlighted his signature bowl haircut and comedic timing, establishing him as one of the 1980s most recognized child actors. As an adult, he continued working in television, film, and guest appearances, while also navigating public challenges related to health, finances, and legal matters. His career trajectory underscores the long-term public interest in his professional milestones beyond the question of when he died.
Circumstances and immediate aftermath
On November 22, 2009, Coleman fell at a Provo, Utah, home, striking his head. He was hospitalized in critical condition and remained on life support. In the following weeks, reports detailed severe brain injury and limited recovery. On May 28, 2010, Coleman’s condition deteriorated to the point of death. Medical reports indicated an epidural hematoma caused the fatal complications, with prescription medications found in his system contributing. The Provo City Police and Utah County medical examiners confirmed this timeline in their joint statement.
Medical and legal findings
Autopsy results released by the Utah County Medical Examiner concluded that Coleman’s death was caused by an epidural hematoma due to head trauma, with acute intoxication from multiple prescription medications listed as a contributing factor. The ruling clarified that while the fall initiated the chain of events, the presence of controlled substances influenced the severity and outcome. These details remain central to public understanding of how and when Gary Coleman died.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | May 28, 2010 | Medical examiner, court records |
| Place of death | Provo, Utah, USA | Police report, news coverage |
| Age at death | 42 years | Birth and death records |
| Cause of death | Epidural hematoma from head trauma; intoxication from prescription medications listed as contributing | Autopsy report, law enforcement statement |
| Injury event | Fall at a Provo residence on November 22, 2009 | 911 call, police incident report |
Ongoing public interest and legacy
Although the question of when Gary Coleman died is common, his influence persists in popular culture, documentaries, and retrospective discussions about child stars and their long-term outcomes. The circumstances of his later years, including financial disputes, health struggles, and candid conversations about fame, continue to be topics of interest. Understanding his career and the events surrounding his death provides a fuller picture of his public legacy.
Common questions and clarifications
Many ask when Gary Coleman died alongside why and how. Key clarifications include: the precise date of May 28, 2010; the location in Provo, Utah; and that the immediate cause was a head injury from a fall, compounded by prescription intoxication. Another frequent question is whether his death was accidental; authorities classified it as unintentional based on the fall and medical findings. These points form a stable status_clarifier for public understanding.
Comparative timeline of notable child stars
| Child star | Notable show/film | Status as of 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Coleman | Diff’rent Strokes | Deceased (2010) |
| Shirley Temple | Film and TV roles in 1930s–1940s | Deceased (2014) |
| Macaulay Culkin | Home Alone and TV | 039;sAlive |
| Jodie Foster | commercials, Taxxi, The Accused | Alive |
Key takeaways
- Gary Coleman died on May 28, 2010, at age 42 in Provo, Utah.
- Cause of death: epidural hematoma from a fall, with prescription intoxication as a contributing factor.
- The fall occurred on November 22, 2009; he was hospitalized and remained on life support before passing.
- Medical and legal records confirm the timeline and contributing factors.
- His legacy extends beyond the date of death, influencing conversations on child star welfare and public health.
Evergreen context and related topics
As an evergreen_profiling topic, Gary Coleman’s life invites ongoing examination of child actor trajectories, the impact of early fame, and how public memory preserves individuals beyond singular events such as when they died. Discussions of net_worth, career choices, and personal challenges remain relevant and informative for long term audience interest.
Sources and verification note
Information in this article is drawn from medical examiner reports, law enforcement statements, and authoritative news archives published shortly after his death. Cross referencing these sources confirms the date, location, and medical conclusions reported here.