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Authorities are revealing the official cause of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s sudden death at age 54.
The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor’s autopsy was completed on Tuesday, July 22, which showed that he died from accidental asphyxiation by submersion. This comes one day after a source told PEOPLE that Warner was body surfing in the water during a family trip in Costa Rica at the time of his death.
“The body will be removed from the Judicial Morgue by a funeral service company hired and authorized by Mr. Warner’s family,” the OIJ said.
It was also Costa Rican National Police who formally identified the actor on Sunday, July 20. They revealed the following day that Warner’s cause of death was ruled as the result of drowning, pending the autopsy report.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE on July 21, the OIJ said: “The victim appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current. The man was rescued by bystanders and taken to shore, where he received treatment from the Costa Rican Red Cross. However, he was declared lifeless at the scene.”
Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank
Warner was most recognized for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1985 to 1992.
Speaking with PEOPLE for 2023’s Black History Month special, Warner shared his continued pride for the role the sitcom played in television history overall.
“Prior to The Cosby Show, Black sitcom humor was predicated on being Black, the specificity of the ‘Black’ experience. Though the Huxtables were clearly Black — reflected quite obviously by their dress, the Black art on the walls, the music — the family issues all were universal,” he shared.
“And though Cliff [Cosby] was a doctor and Claire [Phylicia Rashad] was an attorney, the family dynamic was one that practically every family — no matter the ethnicity, socio-economic status or even family makeup — could find something to relate to.”
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Following The Cosby Show’s finale in 1992, Warner starred in multiple projects.
He appeared in Malcolm & Eddie from 1996 to 2000 with Eddie Griffin, and then played Alex Reed on Reed Between the Lines with Tracee Ellis Ross from 2011 to 2015.
More recently, Warner had starred in Major Crimes as Chuck Cooper, as Julius Rowe in Suits and as AJ Austin in The Resident. 9-1-1 and Alert: Missing Persons Unit. The actor also started the podcast in May 2024, and hosted it alongside Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, titled Not All Hood.
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Several famous friends and former costars have spoken out about Warner’s death.
Morris Chestnut, who worked with Warner as fellow surgeons on the medical drama The Resident, shared several photos from their time on the show together alongside a heartfelt note.
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” Chestnut captioned the post. “Working alongside him on The Resident was an honor. He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, Patrick J. Adams also shared his grief, calling Warner’s death “a painful loss.”
“We were blessed with countless incredible guest stars over our 9 years of Suits,” he said. “But when it came to generosity of spirit, joy and absolute commitment to every moment on and off camera, Malcolm was untouchable. I feel so lucky to have shared that time him and send my deepest condolences to his friends and family.”
Warner’s on and off-screen best friend Griffin posted a photo of the actor on his Instagram Story shortly after hearing the news.
“My Big little Brother 🙏🏾♥️🙏🏾,” the caption read.
Ross posted on her social media to honor her longtime friendship with Warner with a series of throwback photos and a sweet message.
“I love you, Malcolm,” she wrote. “First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Others even left touching comments on PEOPLE’s obituary post on Instagram.
“WTF…. Wow. This is heartbreaking 😢😢😢” wrote comedian Kevin Hart, before adding, “RIP king…. Woooow”
While Ricki Lake commented, “Omg!!!!!!! 💔💔💔,” actress Jennie Garth simply left a series of broken hearts: “💔 💔💔”
“WHATTTTT 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔,” Holly Robinson Peete commented.
Patti LaBelle reacted with a string of emojis: “🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️.” Mario Lopez shared three red heart emojis.
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The actor was known for being very quiet about his private life. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
