Malcom-Jamal Warner dead at 54 after drowning in Costa Rica
Malcolm-Jamal Warner from The Cosby Show has tragically passed away at the age of 54 after drowning in Costa Rica on Sunday.
The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died in Costa Rica, on Sunday after he drowned while swimming off the coast.
Authorities report he was caught by a strong current, with his official cause of death being labelled asphyxia.
The Costa Rican National Police reported that Warner’s body was discovered near Cocles, a beach in the Limon province.
According to local authorities, Warner appeared to have been dragged out to sea by a current while swimming at Playa Grande about 2pm to 2.30pm local time in Cocles, a town in the province of Limón.
Authorities reported to CBS News: “The victim was assisted by people who were at the beach. However, he was declared without vital signs by the staff of the Costa Rican Red Cross.”
Warner was best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved American sitcom, The Cosby Show.
The actor recently starred in 9-1-1 alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt, who paid tribute in an Instagram story, writing that she “cannot believe” the news.
“This hurts my heart,” the actress said. “A gentleman, an incredible talent, and we were so lucky to have him in the ‘9-1-1’ family.
“Heartbroken and sending love to his family.”
American actress Niecy Nash also took to Instagram to say that she “just spoke” with Warner, and recalled a tender conversation the pair had about “how happy we both were in our marriages.”
The Grotesquerie star added, “Damn friend. You were cornerstone of The Cosby Show.
She said: “We all loved Theo! Never to be forgotten. You will be missed. Rest Easy.”
Tracee Ellis Ross also reflected on working with Warner on the sitcom, Reed Between the Lines.
“My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.”
“You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Jamie Foxx separately expressed his condolences online, saying: “Speechless on this one.”
He added: “Rest in power, my brother.”
Actress and producer, Vivica A. Fox said in an Instagram story that she was “stunned and saddened,” and Jennifer Hudson added she was “devastated” and “truly heartbroken.”
Fans flocked to social media to also share their condolences. One fan penned: That man gave us one of the greatest scenes in the history of television. I cannot even believe this.
“I am over here SOBBING! Rest in poetry, Malcolm Jamal Warner.”
Another added: “I literally screamed over that Malcolm-Jamal Warner news. I can’t believe it.”
Warner’s other roles included Malcolm McGee on “Malcolm & Eddie” and Dr. AJ Austin on “The Resident.”