From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Shawn Michael Phelan (January 7, 1975 – September 27, 1998) was an American television and film actor. On March 29, 1994, at age 19, Phelan was involved in an automobile collision when his Toyota Corolla was broadsided three blocks from his home. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which left him comatose for over four years. Phelan died at age 23.