‘Cosby Show’ Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner Drowns in Costa Rica at 54

 Malcolm-Jamal Warner, famed for portraying Theodore “Theo” Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died on July 20, 2025, at 54 in an accidental drowning off Playa Grande de Cocles, Costa Rica. 

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time when strong currents overwhelmed him while swimming with family. Beachgoers attempted a rescue, but Costa Rican authorities confirmed death by asphyxia, with no foul play suspected. Warner, also a musician and actor on The Resident, leaves a wife and daughter, whose privacy he guarded.

Reports from July 21, 2025, detail the beach’s known hazards, with locals noting absent lifeguards despite tourist warnings. Tributes flooded social media, though some question the official account, citing inadequate safety measures. 

The narrative aligns with Costa Rican police statements, but the lack of immediate official probes raises concerns about oversight. Fans mourn a cultural icon, while the incident underscores tourism safety debates, with investigations ongoing to clarify circumstances.