Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Tragedy on the Beach: Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Heartbreaking Drowning

Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner was swimming with his eight-year-old daughter when he drowned in Costa Rica. Pictured: Warner with his daughter as a toddler

SHOCKING DEATH OF COSBY SHOW STAR: MALCOLM-JAMAL WARNER DROWNS IN COSTA RICA

In a devastating turn of events, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the beloved star of The Cosby Show and Theo Huxtable to millions of TV fans, has died in a tragic accidental drowning incident in Costa Rica. The 54-year-old actor was with his 8-year-old daughter when he was swept away by a strong current on Playa Cocles beach, located on the Caribbean coast.

According to eyewitnesses, including volunteer lifeguard Mike Geist, who rushed into action to save Warner's life, the actor was found submerged in the ocean, near the bottom of the water. Despite being pulled from the depths and receiving CPR from a team of doctors and medical professionals, Warner sadly did not respond and eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday. Pictured: Warner and his daughter in 2020

As reported by ABC News, Warner's daughter was safely brought to shore on a surfboard, while he remained underwater for an unknown amount of time before being found and rushed to safety. Geist recounted the harrowing moments in an interview with AZ Family, stating that two doctors who happened to be vacationing nearby joined forces to perform CPR for over 30 minutes, but unfortunately, it was not enough to save Warner's life.

The investigation into Warner's death has ruled out foul play, concluding that he drowned due to asphyxiation by submersion. Local authorities have released a statement expressing their deep regret and condolences to the family.

Warner's shocking passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many of his former castmates and colleagues taking to social media to pay tribute to the talented actor. His iconic role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992, remains a beloved memory for many, and his legacy will be cherished by fans around the world.

Volunteer lifeguard Mike Geist recalled the moment he and a volunteer lifeguard found Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner below the surface, near the floor of the ocean

As news of Warner's death spread, fans took to Twitter to share their favorite moments from the show, with many praising his portrayal of Theo. "Malcolm-Jamal Warner was more than just an actor; he was a part of our childhood," wrote one fan. "Rest in peace, Theo Huxtable," added another.

In the years since The Cosby Show went off the air, Warner has continued to work in TV, appearing in shows such as Malcolm & Eddie, Read Between the Lines, and The Resident. His most recent credits include a dramatic four-episode arc on the network procedural 9-1-1, where he played a nurse who was a long-term survivor of a terrible fire.

Warner's survivors include his wife and young daughter, whose identities have not been publicly disclosed. As news of his passing continues to spread, fans around the world are coming together to celebrate his life and legacy.

The Costa Rican National Police reported that Warner¿s body was discovered near Cocles, a beach in the Limon province (Playa Cocles pictured above)

The actor, best known for his role as Theodore Huxtable on the beloved NBC sitcom, appeared in all eight seasons from 1984 to 1992 (seen in 2006)