Additional Coverage:
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s drowning incident involved second man who is now in critical condition (themirror.com)
Tragic Drowning Claims Life of Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Costa Rica
Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, tragically drowned Monday while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. He was 54 years old.
According to local authorities, Warner was swept away by a current at Playa Grande resort. Bystanders were able to bring him to shore, where first responders attempted CPR.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) indicated that the cause of death was asphyxiation by submersion.
Another man, also caught in the current, was rescued by the Costa Rican Red Cross and transported to a local clinic in critical condition. The Red Cross confirmed that both men were out of the water by the time paramedics arrived. Local police are now handling the investigation.
Warner’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. Fans have been sharing favorite memories of the actor, particularly his iconic performance as Theo Huxtable. Many also highlighted his accomplishments beyond acting, including his Grammy Award-winning poetry and his musical talents as a jazz musician.
Among those mourning his loss is actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who played Warner’s wife in the TV series Reed Between the Lines. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ross expressed her sadness and remembered Warner as a “warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant” friend who “made the world a brighter place.”
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter. He recently launched a podcast titled Not Too Hood.