The police have disclosed the circumstances surrounding the tragic demise of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the iconic actor renowned for his portrayal of Theo Huxtable in the beloved TV sitcom "The Cosby Show." Warner passed away on Sunday, succumbing to drowning off the scenic shores of Costa Rica, as confirmed by the Costa Rican National Police to ABC News. He was 54 years old.
On Tuesday, ABC News was informed by the authorities that an autopsy on Warner had been conducted and concluded. The Forensic Pathology Department affirmed that Warner's death, classified as asphyxiation due to submersion, was indeed accidental.
Warner's body arrived in San Joaquin de Flores at 4:30 p.m. local time on Monday. The subsequent autopsy, performed and finalized on Tuesday, served as the official verification of his passing.
According to police accounts shared with ABC News, Warner met his untimely fate near Cocles Beach in Limon, Costa Rica, on Sunday afternoon when he was swept away by a powerful rip current. Bystanders swiftly intervened, pulling him ashore and administering initial aid. Despite these efforts, Warner was ultimately pronounced dead by the Costa Rican Red Cross.
Costa Rica's national police formally identified Warner, describing him as a visiting tourist. Beyond his seminal role in "The Cosby Show," Warner's television career was marked by a plethora of memorable performances, including stints in "Malcolm & Eddie," "Reed Between the Lines," "Suits," "The Resident," and more.
News of his passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood, prompting numerous tributes from fellow industry luminaries such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Angela Bassett, Niecy Nash, and Danny Tamberelli.
