Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies Drowning Costa Rica Second Man Critical

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," tragically died from accidental drowning at Playa Grande beach in Costa Rica at age 54. He and another man were swept out to sea by strong currents, with bystanders rescuing them before emergency responders arrived; Warner was declared dead at the scene despite CPR efforts, while the other man was taken to a local clinic in critical condition. The Costa Rican Red Cross and National Police confirmed that both men had been out of the water when paramedics reached them, and Warner's cause of death was officially listed as asphyxiation by submersion. Warner's death deeply affected Bill Cosby, whose spokesman noted the painful similarity to the loss of his own son, and Cosby and co-star Phylicia Rashad shared memories of Warner following the news. Warner had recently spoken proudly about his musical work with the Minnesota Orchestra, highlighting his continued passion beyond acting. The incident was handed over to local authorities for legal procedures, and Warner's body was taken for autopsy.