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More details have emerged about the tragic death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The actor, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died July 20 at age 54 after drowning in Costa Rica. As police told ABC news, nearby surfers came to his aid during the incident.
Warner was swimming with his eight-year-old daughter on Sunday at Playa Grande, a beach near Limon, Costa Rica, when he was caught by a rip current, according to the New York Times. Police told ABC News that nearby surfers came to their aid when they spotted the actor and his daughter struggling. One surfer was able to use his board to bring Warner’s daughter to safety. Meanwhile, a volunteer lifeguard brought Warner and another surfer that was struggling after trying to assist in the rescue to shore.
Three ambulances, a Jet Ski and nine rescuers were dispatched to the area. Warner was given CPR for 45 minutes, before he was declared dead by the Costa Rican Red Cross.
Police told ABC News that the Forensic Pathology Department completed an autopsy on Warner Tuesday, which confirmed his cause of death to be asphyxiation by submersion, and accidental.
Though his most iconic role was that of Theo Huxtable, Warner played many parts during an accomplished television career. He starred in Malcolm & Eddie, Reed Between the Lines, Suits, and most recently in the Fox medical drama, The Resident.
“Words cannot describe the pain and sadness and surprise I feel with the recent loss of MJW,” said Cosby Show co-star Raven Simone in an Instagram post. “He was the big brother. He was a beacon. He was one of the most multifaceted, talented men, so gentle. My heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother.”
