Malcolm-Jamal Warner was on vacation with his wife and young daughter when he drowned off a beach in Costa Rica, a source close to Warner told NBC News.
The “Cosby Show” star died at 54 on July 20 in Playa Grande de Cocles in Limon. He apparently died as a result of asphyxia by submersion, according to Costa Ricaโs Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
A male victim entered the water and “apparently was dragged by a current offshore,” according to a release from the agency.
People at the scene were able to rescue Warner and bring him back to shore, but he could not be revived, per the release. OIJ agents examined the body and confirmed Warnerโs identity.
The Costa Rican Red Cross said in a statement on July 22 that it responded to an emergency call about “a water accident” in Playa Grande and treated two adult men.
One of the men was transported to a local clinic, while the other was given CPR before being “pronounced dead at the scene.”
Warner’s body has been sent to the Judicial Morgue in San Joaquin de Flores for an autopsy, the OIJ said.
The actor’s wife was in the process of trying to return his body to the United States for funeral preparations, the source close to Warner told NBC News on July 21.
Warner is best known for playing Theo Huxtable, the teen son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, on “The Cosby Show” from 1984-1992.
The Emmy nominee followed his iconic role by starring in the sitcoms “Malcolm & Eddie” and “Reed Between the Lines” and appearing in smaller roles on hit shows like “9-1-1” and “Sons of Anarchy.”
His career also took him to the big screen for movies like “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson and “Restaurant” with Adrien Brody. In addition, Warner appeared on stage in plays like โA Midsummer Nightโs Dreamโ and โGuess Whoโs Coming to Dinner.โ
The multitalented performer also won a Grammy Award for best traditional R&B performance in 2015 for โJesus Children.โ
