Adam Sandler delivered a heartfelt tribute following the tragic passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the age of 54 in Costa Rica. The duo had shared the screen on 'The Cosby Show' in the late 1980s, with Sandler portraying the character of Smitty while Warner was already a beloved figure as Theo Huxtable. In a poignant interview addressing the loss, Sandler reminisced about their shared moments, expressing his profound grief.
"I'm still in disbelief," he shared. "Malcolm was incredibly kind to me during my time on the show. We shared countless joyous moments—taking leisurely strolls, grabbing meals together, shooting hoops, and attending parties side by side. He was a gem of a person, and his mother was equally wonderful to us all. My heart goes out to his family." He further hailed Warner as "a genuinely great soul, a wittily intelligent individual, and a figure deeply cherished by America."
Tragically, Warner drowned while swimming at a beach on Sunday, with no lifeguards on duty at the time. Another companion who was with him was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Local lifeguards from Playa Grande explained their absence was due to a shortage of personnel and equipment.
"We deeply mourn the loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at Playa Grande," posted the Caribbean Guard, Costa Rica's volunteer lifeguard association, on their Facebook page on Monday. "He was swept away by a powerful rip current and passed away from drowning. It all unfolded so swiftly, and though beachgoers attempted to rescue him, they couldn't reach him in time. He was pulled from the water without vital signs, and despite beachside CPR efforts, resuscitation proved unsuccessful."
As the nation grapples with this unexpected loss, fans and former costars continue to pour out their love and cherished memories of Warner.
