Update: Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s daughter was safe on beach when he drowned and second man survived
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New details about the circumstances of “Cosby Show” star Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death have emerged, along with details of where his daughter was when he got caught in a riptide.
The Red Cross in Costa Rica confirmed to The Times on Wednesday that its first responders also tended to another man in the same drowning incident that claimed Warner’s life on Sunday. The patient, whose identity was not disclosed, survived the drowning.
Update:
3:08 p.m. July 25, 2025Costa Rican authorities have clarified earlier reports about where Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s daughter was when he got caught in a riptide and drowned. The 8-year-old was on the beach and was not rescued from the water, as this story previously reported.
Costa Rican Red Cross said in a statement that it received an emergency report on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. of a “water-related incident” at Playa Grande, Cahuita, Limón, involving two men who required emergency treatment. Three ambulances arrived at the beach where Red Cross personnel attended to the two men. They performed CPR and revived the unidentified swimmer. He was transported to a nearby clinic in “critical condition,” the statement said.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor who played Theo Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show,’ has died during a family vacation in Costa Rica. He was 54.
First responders also performed CPR on Warner, but to no avail. “He was unfortunately declared deceased at the scene,” the statement said. The Costa Rican Red Cross also told People that “two people were dragged by a water current at the beach,” and they were out of the water when paramedics arrived.
“Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea,” Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department told People late Thursday in a statement translated from Spanish.
“It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out,” while Warner did not. Despite earlier reports that she had been in the water with her dad, Warner’s daughter was on the beach when her father got into trouble.
The Red Cross statement confirms details previously shared by the Judicial Investigation Department, which told the Associated Press on Monday that first responders found Warner without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner was on vacation with his family. He was 54.
The actor, who died Sunday at 54, was best known for his role as Theo Huxtable, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, who was based on creator Bill Cosby’s son.
Warner, an Emmy-nominated actor, was best known for starring as Theo Huxtable for eight seasons on “The Cosby Show.” His numerous TV credits also include “The Resident,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “9-1-1” and “Suits.” He was a director for shows “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Kenan & Kel,” among others, and a Grammy-winning musician.
As news of his death spread Monday, Warner’s Hollywood peers, including Morris Chestnut, Tracee Ellis Ross, Viola Davis and Niecy Nash paid tribute on social media. Beyoncé also honored the actor, updating her website to include a tribute to the TV star.
“Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” reads the tribute, which features a black-and-white photo of the actor in his youth. “Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
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