Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," has died at the age of 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. The actor was on a family vacation when the tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon.

According to Costa Rican authorities, Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles, a beach in Limon province on the Caribbean coast. A strong current reportedly pulled him deeper into the ocean. Bystanders rescued Warner from the water and brought him to shore, where they administered treatment until the Costa Rican Red Cross arrived. Paramedics continued resuscitation efforts for over 20 minutes but were unsuccessful. He was declared dead at the scene. The official cause of death was asphyxiation by submersion.

Warner was born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His mother guided his early steps in acting, and he attended the Professional Children's School in New York. He began his acting career at a young age, but his breakout role came in 1984 when he was cast as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show". He starred on the beloved family sitcom for eight seasons, earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series in 1986.

"The Cosby Show" was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted a successful Black family, and Warner's character, Theo, was a relatable and endearing teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence. In 2015, Warner told the Associated Press that "My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of colour on television and film...We've always had 'The Cosby Show' to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that's the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale".

After "The Cosby Show," Warner continued to work steadily in television and film. He starred in "Malcolm & Eddie" with comedian Eddie Griffin from 1996 to 2000. More recently, he appeared in "Sons of Anarchy," "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story," and "The Resident". In 2023, Warner told CBS Pittsburgh that being part of "The Cosby Show" was an "awesome" experience.

News of Warner's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues. Eddie Griffin, his co-star on "Malcolm & Eddie," posted a tribute to Warner on Instagram, referring to him as "my big little brother". Many fans recalled his humor and warmth as Theo, noting the character's influence on views of family life in sitcoms.

Costa Rican authorities are investigating the incident but have stated that no further investigations appear necessary, as it stands as an accident. The U.S. Embassy is aware of the situation and is providing assistance to Warner's family.

Warner's death serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety, as strong currents can pose risks to even experienced swimmers. Beaches like Cocles are popular tourist destinations, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards.