A second man was rescued from the water where Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned and remains in critical condition.
After a “water-related incident” was reported at Playa Grande resort, the Costa Rican Red Cross found both Malcolm-Jamal Warner and another man in the sea, according to People. First responders attempted to perform CPR on Malcolm, who was pronounced dead on the scene. The second man was brought to a local clinic in critical condition.
“The scene was subsequently handed over to the police authorities for the appropriate legal procedures,” the Costa Rican Red Cross’ statement obtained by People said. The Costa Rican Red Cross said “two people were dragged by a water current at the beach,” and both patients were no longer in the water when their paramedics got there.
Earlier on Monday, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) shared in a statement that Malcolm “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current.” Bystanders then “rescued” Malcolm, taking him to shore, where the Costa Rican Red Cross then treated him. “However, he was declared lifeless at the scene,” per OIJ statement.
Malcolm, who’s best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show died at the age of 54. According to authorities, Malcolm “apparently died as a result of asphyxiation by submersion.”
Malcolm was vacationing with his family at the time of his untimely death in Costa Rica. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Ahead of his death, Malcolm launched his podcast titled Not Too Hood.
Countless fans have been sending their condolences on social media in the wake of Malcolm’s death, especially on X, formerly Twitter.
“Not just one of the best scenes in Black TV History, but American Television history. Thanks for the memories Malcolm Jamal-Warner. This is how I’ll remember you,” one X user posted on the social media platform.
Another person tweeted: “That man gave us one of the greatest scenes in the history of television. I cannot even believe this. I am over here SOBBING! Rest in poetry, Malcolm Jamal Warner.”Meanwhile, someone else commented: “Malcolm-Jamal Warner was not only Black television royalty, he was a Grammy Award-winning poet and talented musician in a jazz band. May he rest in peace.”
Also, some of Malcolm’s co-stars, such as Tracee Ellis Ross, who starred as his TV wife in the series Reed Between The Lines from 2011 to 2015.
“I love you, Malcolm. First, I met you as Theo with the rest of the world, then you were my first TV husband,” she wrote on Instagram. “My heart is so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
