Gary Coleman and Shannon Price Not Married When He Died, Lawyer Says

Though Shannon Price told the Utah hospital where Gary Coleman died last week that she was his wife, the actor's former lawyer says the couple actually divorced in 2008, Peoplereports.

Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman dies at 42

"I can confirm they've been divorced since Aug. 12, 2008," attorney Randy Kester told the magazine, also noting that Coleman had asked him to keep the divorce private. "At the time of Gary's death, they were not married. I have no knowledge if they were ever remarried."
The 42-year-old actor suffered an intracranial hemorrhage and was taken off life support on Friday after Price, 24, gave the hospital permission. Janet Frank, spokeswoman for the Utah hospital, told People they will be investigating what, if any, standing Price had to make that decision.

Funeral planned for Gary Coleman in Utah

"Shannon certainly portrayed herself as his wife to our staff and doctors," Frank said. "We assumed she was telling the truth. We can't comment on specific details in Mr. Coleman's case, but in general, any patient on life support is thoroughly evaluated medically before life support is ended."

Coleman's family is planning a funeral for the Diff'rent Strokesstar to take place in Salt Lake City this weekend.

Kester and Frank did not immediately respond to TVGuide.com's request for comment.