Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for his roles in ‘The Cosby Show’, Malcolm & Eddy, and The Resident, died on Sunday at age 54 in Costa Rica. The incident occurred during a family trip at Playa Grande resort in Cahuita, Limón.
According to People, The Costa Rican Red Cross received a report of a water-related incident at around 2:10 p.m. on Sunday. Three ambulances were sent to the scene where paramedics found two adult male patients who had been pulled from the water.
Bystanders rescued two male patients out of the water, but Warner was declared dead at the scene after first responders attempted CPR. The second victim was taken to a local Limón clinic in critical condition after being dragged by the water current.
Details of the drowning incident reveal dangerous water conditions
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reported that Warner entered the sea and was swept away by a current. After being rescued by bystanders and brought to shore, he received treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross, but could not be saved. Officials confirmed the cause of death as asphyxiation by submersion.
The Cosby Show star MALCOLM-JAMAL WARNER has died at only 54 – Warner was in Costa Rica on a family vacation & drowned while swimming near Cocles after being caught by a strong current on Sunday afternoon –
— charles benjamin (@chaleeboh3131) July 22, 2025
Cause of death is listed as asphyxiation by "submersion" RIP STAR!!
The Costa Rican Red Cross stated that both victims were already out of the water when their paramedics arrived at the scene. After Warner was pronounced dead, the scene was turned over to police authorities for legal procedures.
Warner, who kept his family life private, is survived by his wife and daughter. His recent work included hosting a podcast called Not All Hood and appearing on the TV show 9-1-1. He had previously won a Grammy in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Jesus Children of America.
The actor’s career achievements also included a Grammy nomination in 2022 for his spoken word poetry album Hiding in Plain View. Warner had maintained an active presence in the entertainment industry until his untimely death at the Costa Rican beach resort.
