Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Tragic Death Latest: First Responders Spent 20 Minutes Performing CPR On 'The Cosby Show' Star After He Drowned At Costa Rica Beach With No Lifeguards
Authorities said they 'deeply regret' Malcolm-Jamal Warner's accidental drowning death at a beach without lifeguards.
July 22 2025, Published 12:49 p.m. ET
Authorities announced Malcolm-Jamal Warner was "swept away by a strong hangover current" and "died by drowning" while on vacation in Costa Rica, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The Caribbean Guard said they "deeply regret" The Cosby Show star's death while noting the beach, Playa Grande, is typically "patrolled" by lifeguards, but they had to "allocate resources" to other areas on Sunday, July 20.
Unsuccessful CPR
The Caribbean Guard said Warner was rescued by bystanders but 'resuscitation was unsuccessful.'
According to the Caribbean Guard's Facebook post confirming Warner's death, the accidental drowning happened "very fast."
In the absence of lifeguards on duty at the beach, Warner was rescued from the water by bystanders.
The post stated: "Even though there were people on the beach who came in to rescue him, they didn't arrive in time.
"He was pulled underwater with no vital signs, and despite having been provided with CPR maneuvers on the beach, his resuscitation was unsuccessful."
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reportedly confirmed Malcolm's cause of death was "asphyxiation by submersion."
Plea for Government Support
Authorities noted Playa Grande is one of the "most challenging" areas, and there are "signs (in English and Spanish) that warn of the danger of death by drowning" posted around the beach.
On the day of Warner's death, the agency "allocated resources" to two other nearby beaches in response to "recent water incidents."
The agency asked the government for more support in the aftermath of the Malcolm & Eddie star's death, stating: "We do everything within our power. We've saved numerous lives in recent years, and if the Caribbean Guard didn't exist, drownings would count by the dozens.
"We do our part to minimize risks, but if we don't have government help, clear public policies and strong support from local entrepreneurs, this will keep happening."
In 2023, Warner said he was 'still proud' of his show's legacy' despite Bill Cosby's sexual assault scandal.
As RadarOnline.com reported, Warner's death sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
Warner was best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, which ran from 1984 to 1992.
Despite the show's legacy being tarnished by Bill Cosby's sexual assault scandal, Warner said he was still "proud" to be a part of an "iconic show that had such a profound impact on, first and foremost, Black culture, but also American culture."
Cosby said losing his former on-screen son was as painful as the deaths of his two biological children.
Bill Cosby Mourns On-Screen Son
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The disgraced comedian said: "He was never afraid to go to his room and study, he knew his lines, and then he was quite comfortable, even with the growing pains of being a teenager."
Cosby also recalled the last conversation he had with Warner about three months ago.
He said: "What we talked about was something he was very proud of. He had a concert in Minnesota with the symphony, and there was something he had written.
"He was very proud of what he had done and what he had said, and it was about living in America."
