Gallagher Heart Attack Puts Comedian in Medically Induced Coma
Legendary comedian known by his fans as Gallagher was placed in a medically induced coma in a Lewisville, Tex., hospital after suffering a heart attack Wednesday before a scheduled performance.
The 65-year-old comedian's manager told the Huffington Post that the decision to place him in a coma was precautionary and it was a way for Gallagher to recover from his second heart attack in less than a year.
"He was put in an induced coma and will remain that way for the next 24 hours to rest and relax," Gallagher's manager Christine Scherrer said.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Scherrer added that doctors have stated that the prognosis is good for a full recovery and he should be able to return to the stage after recovering.
The comedian, whose full name is Leo Anthony Gallagher, complained of chest pains while waiting to take the stage at the Hat Tricks club on Wednesday.
Gallagher previously collapsed on stage last year after suffering a heart attack while performing at the Whiskey Bone Roadhouse in Minnesota, according to the Examiner.com.
"They told us this was more severe," Karl Maahs, manager of Speaking Rock club, in El Paso where Gallagher was scheduled to perform Thursday, as reported by the El Paso Times.
Maahs continued: "They said he was unconscious. Last year was a pretty mild one."
Gallagher is best known for smashing any and everything with his iconic prop the "Sledge-O-Matic" wooden mallet.
Those who chose to get the seats right in front of the stage are encouraged to bring a poncho or plastic bag to wear to protect themselves from the flying debris leaving the stage.
Over a career that has spanned several decades Gallagher has received many accolades for his act. During the 1980s Gallagher was one of the most well-known comedians; he had many TV specials and was named one of the 100 Comedians of all-time greats list by Comedy Central.
