Coleman Wanted to Live: Why Was Plug Pulled?

(CBS)  New documents have surfaced suggesting that Gary Coleman, former star of the 80's hit sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," wanted doctors to keep him alive for as long as reasonably possible. Still, ex-wife Shannon Price pulled the plug less than 24 hours after he slipped out of consciousness.

The actor, 41, who suffered from chronic kidney disease, died from brain injury May 28 following a fall in the Utah home he shared with Price, his 24-year-old ex-wife.

According to a 2006 document obtained by TMZ, Coleman signed a health care directive that reads "I want my life to be prolonged as long as possible within the limits of generally accepted health care standards."

In the box next to that statement, he checked "Choice to Prolong Life."

Still, less than 24 hours after slipping into a coma, Price, who was listed on the document as Coleman's health care agent, decided to have him removed from life support. Other family members were present in the Provo, Utah hospital, according to US Weekly.

Authorities have stated that there was no foul play; that the death was an accident.

Which leaves open the questions: Why were Coleman's wishes ignored? And what use is a living will if it can be easily overridden when the time comes?