Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | May 28, 2010 | Coroner/Public records |
| Location | Provo, Utah, USA | News reports and coroner |
| Age at death | 42 years old | Biographical records |
| Cause of death | Accidental intoxication from drinking drain cleaner (cephalosporin compounds) and related complications | Official autopsy and toxicology report |
| Way of death classification | Accidental | Medical examiner/coroner |
| Preexisting condition noted | Underlying kidney and cardiovascular disease (hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease) | Coroner’s report |
Status and Verification Summary
The status of Gary Coleman’s death is verified and officially documented. He died on May 28, 2010, in Provo, Utah, at age 42. The cause was ruled accidental intoxication following ingestion of a drain cleaner containing cephalosporin compounds, with preexisting kidney and heart disease contributing. The manner was classified as accidental by the medical examiner. These facts come from the Utah County Attorney’s Office, autopsy records, and reputable news reports.
Timeline Leading to His Death
Before detailing how Gary Coleman died, it helps to know the timeline that contextualizes his final days and the subsequent official determination.
May 26–27, 2010: Onset and emergency response
Coleman became ill on May 26, 2010. By May 27, he was taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in serious condition. Reports indicated he had ingested a drain cleaner.
May 28, 2010: Death and pronouncement
He was removed from life support and died on May 28, 2010. The cause was under investigation while medical examiners gathered evidence.
June 2010: Official determination
In early June 2010, the Utah County medical examiner released the autopsy results, confirming accidental intoxication and listing contributing health conditions.
Cause of Death and Medical Findings
Medical reports specified that Gary Coleman died from accidental intoxication due to drinking drain cleaner. The specific compounds included cephalosporin, a type of antibiotic sometimes found in drain cleaners. The ingestion led to severe systemic toxicity. The autopsy noted significant preexisting conditions—hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease—that substantially worsened his prognosis and complicated recovery.
Official Classification and Context
It is important to distinguish medical cause from legal manner. The cause of death at the biochemical level was multi-organ failure following chemical intoxication and underlying disease. The manner determined by the coroner was accidental. Understanding this distinction clarifies how a seemingly preventable act can be classified as accidental when no intent to self-harm is found.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction
Following the announcement of his death, fans and the broader public expressed shock and sorrow. Tributes highlighted his career as a child star and the challenges he faced in its aftermath. Many media outlets revisited his role as Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes and noted the complex public treatment he endured as a minor under contract.
Lessons and Lasting Takeaways
- Verification matters: Official reports from coroners and attorneys provide the most reliable facts about death dates and causes.
- Multiple factors often contribute: Underlying health conditions can turn an otherwise survivable event into fatal outcome.
- Context informs compassion: Understanding legal, medical, and career context helps separate facts from rumor and stigma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- On what date did Gary Coleman die? Gary Coleman died on May 28, 2010.
- How old was he at the time? He was 42 years old at the time of his death.
- What was the immediate cause of death? The immediate cause was accidental intoxication from drinking drain cleaner containing cephalosporin compounds.
- Were preexisting health issues a factor? Yes, hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease, along with chronic kidney disease, were noted as contributing factors.
- Was his death ruled a suicide? No; the manner was classified as accidental by the medical examiner.
Conclusion
Gary Coleman’s death on May 28, 2010, in Provo, Utah, was officially determined to be accidental intoxication from ingesting drain cleaner, with preexisting heart and kidney disease as significant contributing factors. Verified reports from the coroner and public records provide a clear timeline and medical explanation, supporting a factual, enduring understanding of this status query.