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Gary Coleman’s ex-wife justifies pulling the plug with shocking reason after flunking lie detector test

BBG News

Regardless of the years of scrutiny and a failed lie detector test causing renewed controversy, Gary Coleman’s former spouse, Shannon Price, remains firm in her choice to remove him from life support.

In 2010, the well-known figure ended up in a medically controlled coma following a severe brain bleed caused by a fall within his shared home with Price in Utah.

Two days on, she permitted medical professionals to discontinue life-supporting measures – a decision taken despite the fact that it seemed Coleman’s living will stipulated a minimum of 15 days should pass before care was withdrawn.

Currently, on the show “A&E’s Lie Detector: Truth or Deception,” Price, aged 39, speaks frankly and directly regarding the contentious decision that stirred up controversy.

She explained in the special, as reported by People, that it was an unfortunate circumstance, ‘I had no other option.’ He suffered a cardiac arrest, which eventually led to his demise.

When asked why she was so confident Coleman wouldn’t recover, she simply said: ‘I just knew.’

She continued, ‘I asked the questions, I saw the condition he was in.

Essentially, he was no longer present. I asked if his pupils were dilated, to which they replied affirmatively. Upon seeing this, I understood it was the end.

Price also remembered attempting to revive the actor, whom she wedded in August 2007 but discreetly separated from only a year afterwards.

On Thursday morning, someone phoned me and asked, “Is there a Do Not Resuscitate order for Gary?” To which I replied, “Indeed, but I’ve made every effort to save him as per his wishes.” I truly did my best, within the boundaries of his will.

On Thursday, I’ll be heading to see him, discussing matters with the physicians, who then expressed their doubts that he would survive until Friday, implying his health situation isn’t expected to improve.

‘I made the right decision.’ 

The disclosure about life support emerges following Shannon’s polygraph test in the latest documentary series, which was an effort to refute persistent speculations suggesting her involvement in Coleman’s demise.

Despite the official ruling that his death was an accident, those who were particularly close to the Diff’rent Strokes star remained unconvinced about the cause of his demise.

Some openly accused Price of foul play, allegations she’s repeatedly denied over the years.

In “Truth or Deception”, she eventually confronts ex-FBI agent George Olivo in a bid to prove her innocence. However, she’s taken aback when the findings indicate that her responses were deemed as untruthful.

Throughout my entire life, it seems as if the odds have consistently been stacked against me. However, I am fervently hoping, truly hoping, for a favorable outcome. Not everyone excels at polygraph tests, and I hold onto a sliver of optimism that this situation will resolve positively, leaving people to say, “You know what? She’s just an ordinary girl who experienced an unlucky turn of events.” This sentiment was expressed by Price in the premiere episode of the series, as reported by People.

Olivo acknowledged that he needed to persuade Price to approach the test more earnestly, as she found it a source of stress.

He checked her findings not once but twice: initially using a computer analysis, followed by a review from a retired FBI expert. In both instances, they arrived at the same final judgment.

Price always maintained that he never physically harmed Coleman during their marriage, yet the test findings were indecisive.

‘I’m not going to say that you passed that test, because you didn’t,’ Olivo told her.

Price stated, ‘I’d never cause him harm like that, given how delicate his life was. He constantly fought just to get by, and I wouldn’t wish pain upon him.’

When asked if she deliberately refused to provide necessary help for Coleman following his fall, Price once more rejected the claim, but the outcome remained unclear.

Olivo found Price’s question a tad puzzling, yet he understood her apprehension and admitted that the event remained unsettled in her thoughts even after fourteen long years.

Admittedly, there’s room for improvement when it comes to assistance. I could have provided a bit more help, and the operator might have too, by posing more detailed questions.

Olivo retorted sharply, “Disregard what the 911 operator said, you were present. A dose of firmness is needed now. You aren’t the one being victimized; he is.

The most dramatic point arrived as Olivo questioned whether Price was responsible for Coleman’s fall, to which she responded in the negative. However, the polygraph suggested she was being untruthful.

Olivo stated, ‘You didn’t pass the exam about Gary’s accident, Shannon. Here are two facts I am certain of: First, I suspect you weren’t entirely truthful with me during our polygraph session yesterday. Second, and this is indisputable, there seems to be a part of this story that hasn’t been disclosed yet. The human body doesn’t lie; it always reveals the truth. Your body on that lie detector test made it clear that something caused your failure in this test.’

I wasn’t taken aback by the outcome, attributing it to Olivo’s reliance on technology. I stand firm in my conviction that I am at ease with the situation.

She explained, “I’m not in prison for a valid cause. A comprehensive investigation was conducted.

Olivo replied, ‘There’s also a thing called lack of evidence.’

In an unpublicized manner, Price and Coleman finalized their divorce on August 12, 2008, by employing the aliases ‘John Doe’ and ‘Jane Doe’ in the corresponding paperwork.

In their referenced documents, it’s stated that they had ‘insurmountable disagreements,’ no spousal support was granted, and all assets were given to Coleman—yet they persisted in cohabiting.

Coleman gained popularity by starring as the cherished kid actor in Diff’rent Strokes, recognized for his petite build, endearing appearance, and memorable catchphrase, ‘What are you referring to, Willis?’

Despite battling a birth-related kidney issue and undergoing two kidney transplants, his growth was significantly limited to just 4 feet 8 inches.

In the years before his death, Coleman faced multiple hospitalizations due to seizures. 

Additionally, he faced tough court disputes and ultimately lost much of his wealth due to a long-standing conflict with the adults who managed his money until his eighteenth birthday.

Domestic troubles plagued the couple as well. 

2007 saw the arrest of Coleman after a heated argument with Price, leading to charges for disturbing the peace or minor disruption of order.

Approximately a year ago, Price was apprehended under the suspicion of domestic abuse following another altercation. On the other hand, Coleman was incarcerated back in 2010 due to accusations of domestic violence-related assault.

Approximately three months prior to his passing, Coleman sought a restraining order against Price, alleging that she had illegally entered his Santaquin residence, which occurred while he was recuperating in the hospital following heart surgery.

The court documents showed that he confessed to instances of domestic violence, which occurred not only after but also prior to their wedding.

After Coleman’s passing, his close friends accused Price of wrongdoing, with Anna Gray, his former girlfriend, being a primary suspect.

In the documentary, I couldn’t help but express my admiration when I said, “Price’s actions truly speak for themselves, and there isn’t much more I need to say about it.” I was referring to that pivotal moment where Price chose not to touch Coleman as he lay injured. As a fan who’s deeply moved by such selfless acts, it’s hard to find the words.

Additionally, there were criticisms directed towards Price as she did not go with Coleman to the hospital on the night of his accident. Subsequently, after two days, she chose to discontinue life support – an action alleged by friends to have contradicted Coleman’s previously written wishes.

Amplifying the controversy, it’s claimed that Price snapped a photograph of Coleman on his deathbed and then sold it. A close acquaintance described this action as ‘despicable.’

In an interview with Inside Edition in 2025, Dion Mial, Coleman’s friend, stated that they were utterly puzzled due to the abundance of questions without any answers.

In a 911 call following the incident, Price’s response caused surprise when the operator inquired if she could physically examine Coleman. She responded, “I prefer not to touch him.

‘Well, you see, I did help him. In fact, I had to search for a towel since there wasn’t one in the downstairs bathroom.’

‘She explained, “It’s crucial for folks to grasp that this was the very first truly traumatizing event I’ve ever seen unfold.”‘

The police reports for that evening indicated no unusual or suspicious events, while Coleman’s death certificate declared his demise as an accident.

In a statement to TMZ, Price expressed his dissatisfaction with the polygraph process and A&E’s handling of it. He said that promises made were not kept, the testing situation was unfair and uncomfortable, and the test was performed non-verbally, which he should have refused. From the start, it seemed they prioritized ratings over finding the truth.

The two-hour premiere of Lie Detector: Truth or Deception airs July 10 at 9 p.m. ET on A&E.

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2025-07-10 18:49

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