Malcolm-Jamal Warner's cause of death confirmed, second man fully recovered
"The Cosby Show" star died from an accidental drowning, Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Department confirmed to USA TODAY on July 24.
A second adult man, who was involved in the same incident as Warner, and reportedly attempted to save him, was transported to a Costa Rican clinic in critical condition on Sunday, July 20, the Costa Rican Red Cross confirmed to USA TODAY on July 22. The man, a 29-year-old native of Nicaragua, made a full recovery and was released from the hospital, People and the Los Angeles Times report.
Warner was rescued by bystanders and taken to shore, where he received treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross, per the agency, but he was declared dead at the scene. He was then transported to the morgue for an autopsy.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who starred as Theo on 'Cosby Show,' dies in drowning at 54
The beach in Costa Rica where the men were found, is known for strong rip currents and a sometimes dangerous surf, The New York Times reported. On the day of the drowning, it was also unprotected by lifeguards.
In addition to eight seasons on the hit NBC sitcom as Theo, son of Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad's Clair Huxtable, Warner was also known for his role as Malcolm McGee in the 1990s UPN sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie" and as Dr. AJ Austin on the Fox medical drama "The Resident" from 2018 to 2023.
In the 2010s, Warner had notable recurring roles on the NBC comedy "Community," playing the ex of Yvette Nicole Brown's Shirley Bennett. He also portrayed the character Sticky, the vice president of motorcycle club The Grim Bastards, on FX's "Sons of Anarchy."
Malcolm-Jamal Warner's notable shows and movies, from 'The Cosby Show' to 'The Resident'
News of his death prompted an outpouring of love from former co-stars, with Cosby himself calling him "a great studier," and fellow "9-1-1" star Jennifer Love Hewitt, calling him "a gentleman" and "incredible talent."
Tracee Ellis Ross also reflected on working with Warner on the BET sitcom "Reed Between the Lines," writing: "My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant."
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Bryan Alexander
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