*Conflicting reports have emerged surrounding the tragic drowning of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away on July 20 while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
Elberth Leon, Chief of the Tourist Police in the Atlanta Region, told Us Weekly that Warner had been in the water with his daughter when they were caught in a rip current. “They were bathing together and were caught by a rip current,” Leon said. “Obviously, as a father, he fought for his daughter, but the current in that area is very strong, and they couldn’t accomplish the objective.”
Leon insisted he was on the scene and witnessed key moments. “I responded to the incident and I know what I saw,” he stated. According to him, the girl was treated on-site by the Red Cross and did not require further medical attention.
However, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) released a different account. The agency reported Warner had been playing with his daughter at the shoreline before leaving her on land and entering the ocean with a friend. “It was at that moment that the current pulled them in; the friend managed to get out, but unfortunately, Mr. Warner did not,” OIJ noted.
The OIJ said Warner was pulled from the water by beachgoers and received immediate medical care from Red Cross responders, including 20 minutes of CPR. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual who entered the water to help was hospitalized in critical condition but has since been discharged.
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Leon challenged the OIJ’s version, saying, “I don’t know why the OIJ is saying that, since they weren’t present at the scene.”
An autopsy conducted on July 22 confirmed Warner died from accidental asphyxiation due to submersion.
His body was officially identified by Costa Rican authorities and arrangements are underway for its repatriation.
Warner, known for his role as Theo Huxtable on *The Cosby Show*, was 54.
Meanwhile, TV One will pay tribute to Warner with two special marathons of “The Cosby Show,” celebrating his unforgettable role as Theo Huxtable. The network announced that the commemorative programming, with the first airing on July 25 and the second on Sunday, July 27, at Noon ET.
The back-to-back marathons will showcase fan-favorite episodes centered around Warner’s portrayal of Theo—a character that helped define the groundbreaking sitcom from 1984 to 1992.
“We mourn the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, whose talent left an iconic mark on television and in the hearts of generations,” TV One shared in a statement.
“From his breakout role as Theo Huxtable to his powerful performances throughout the years, his contributions to culture will continue to inspire. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: TV One Honors Late Malcolm-Jamal Warner with ‘Cosby Show’ Tribute Marathons Featuring Theo-Centered Episodes
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