Beloved actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known to millions as Theo Huxtable from The Cosby Show, tragically passed away this past Sunday in an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. He was 54 years old.
Now, heartbreaking new details have surfaced, shedding light on Warner’s final moments and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Caught in a Deadly Current
Warner had been swimming at Playa Grande beach in Cahuita, Limón, when he was suddenly “caught by a high current,” according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
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The OIJ confirmed to People magazine that Warner was “swept away by a current” and that he was “rescued by bystanders and taken to shore.”
Emergency responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross quickly arrived at the scene, where they “attended to two adult male patients at the beach after a water-related incident.”
Rest in peace to Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54 , who they say died suddenly in Costa Rica while swimming.
Absolutely tragic to see somebody drown.Especially Theo, who so many of us grew up with. pic.twitter.com/sq7gzZ9TJP
— Erin Elizabeth Health Nut News🥜 (@unhealthytruth) July 21, 2025
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One of the men was transported to a nearby emergency room in critical condition. Tragically, the other was Warner, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
An OIJ spokesperson reported that the second man, whose identity remains unknown, “came in [the water] to help Mr. Warner.” No further information about the individual has been released at this time.
The Caribbean Guard Speaks Out
In the wake of the incident, the Caribbean Guard, a regional lifeguard agency, released a solemn statement mourning Warner’s death.
They said they “deeply regret the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Playa Grande,” and clarified that Warner was “swept away by a strong hangover current and died by drowning.”
The agency described the tragic event as unfolding “very fast.”
“Even though there were people on the beach who came in to rescue him, they didn’t arrive in time,” the statement read.
“He was pulled underwater with no vital signs and despite having been provided with CPR maneuvers on the beach, his resuscitation was unsuccessful.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who rose to fame as the beloved Theo Huxtable on eight seasons of “The Cosby Show,” died on Sunday, after being swept away by a powerful current while swimming at a Costa Rican beach.
The 54-year-old is survived by his wife and daughter. Warner’s TV dad,… pic.twitter.com/MX6mWVYPSE
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) July 22, 2025
Playa Grande is known to be one of the most perilous beaches in the region, according to the Caribbean Guard.
They emphasized that signs warning of the “danger of death by drowning” are posted in both English and Spanish throughout the area.
Ordinarily, the beach is “patrolled.” However, on Sunday, the agency had “allocated resources” elsewhere due to “recent water incidents” at other nearby beaches, also known for their dangerous currents.
The Caribbean Guard used the tragedy to urge Costa Rican officials and local businesses to take stronger action.
“We do everything within our power. We’ve saved numerous lives in recent years, and if Caribbean Guard didn’t exist, drownings would count by the dozens,” the agency stated.
“We do our part to minimize risks, but if we don’t have government help, clear public policies and strong support from local entrepreneurs, this will keep happening.”
A Storied Career and Private Life
Warner rose to stardom as a teenager, portraying Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1992. At just 16 years old, he earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1986.
His performance resonated deeply with audiences and became a staple of American television during the late 1980s and early ’90s.
Sad news. #RIPMalcolmJamalWarner #RIPTheo #CosbyShow Taken way too soon at 54 by accidental drowning in #CostaRica 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M4Cz73hYN9
— └A DODGERS LAKERS NEWS (@DodgersLakers) July 21, 2025
After The Cosby Show, Warner continued to find success on television. From 1996 to 2000, he starred alongside Eddie Griffin in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie.
Later, he played Alex Reed in Reed Between the Lines opposite Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross from 2011 to 2015.
More recently, Warner took on dramatic roles in shows like Major Crimes, Suits, and The Resident. His most recent television appearances include guest spots on 9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit.
Despite a lengthy career in the public eye, Warner was known for being intensely private. He is survived by his wife and a daughter born in 2017.
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. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/wSrmLZlaL7
— Renee (@PettyLupone) July 21, 2025
True to his nature, Warner never publicly revealed the names of his wife or child, choosing instead to keep his family life shielded from the media spotlight.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Warner’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and his fanbase, many of whom grew up watching him on television.
Tributes have been pouring in from fellow actors, industry professionals, and viewers around the world who were touched by Warner’s talent, charm, and dignified presence both on and off screen.
To my followers, going to leave you with this tonight:
Cosby Alum Malcolm Jamal Warner’s last message before transitioning from the terrestrial to the celestial:
Do right by others, stay decent, lead with love. You never know which moment is your last.
RIP.
Via @mrecktv on… pic.twitter.com/a4Rq6rvePs
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 22, 2025
Please join us in keeping Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
Rest in peace, Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
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