Tourist police contradict OIJ report on circumstances of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death

The Cosby Show star, Malcolm Jamal Warner's tragic death news is making headlines due to conflicting reports. According to the Daily Mail, the authorities originally claimed that Warner was swimming with his eight-year-old daughter on July 20 when they were hit by the harsh currents.

However, in a statement on Thursday, Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) said that Warner's daughter was not with him when he drowned. The confusion arose because, at first, the tourist police officer stated that Warner’s daughter was also in the water and had to be rescued.

However, later, the main investigation agency (OIJ) clarified that it was not true; she had always been safe and on the shore.

More about the reports on Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death

Clarifying what happened on the fateful day on July 20, the OIJ stated on Thursday:

''Mr. Warner was playing with his daughter at the seashore at one point. He then left her out of the water, and he and a friend of his entered the sea. It was at that moment that they were swept away by the current, and the friend managed to get out. However, Mr. Warner was unable to get out and was pulled out by several people on the beach. He received care from Red Cross officials, but was pronounced dead at the scene.''

Elberth León, Chief of the Tourist Police of the Atlantic Region, who was present at the site when the incident took place, has something else to say. The Chief said that Warner's daughter was with him at the time, and he was trying to save her. In a statement to US Weekly, she said:

''The Red Cross also treated the girl [on site] and she didn’t need to go to the clinic. I don’t know why the OIJ is saying that, since they weren’t present at the scene. They interviewed Malcom’s family, but they also weren’t there at the time of the accident.''

As of now, the reason for the discrepancy is unclear, and no further statements have been made. Following Warner's death, lifeguards from Playa Grande Pacific of the coast of Costa Rica released a statement via Facebook, explaining the reason behind the guards' absence at the beach. The statement read:

''We deeply regret the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner at Playa Grande. He was swept away by a strong rip current and died by drowning. 'It all happened very quickly, and although there were people on the beach who entered the water to rescue him, they did not arrive in time. He was pulled from underwater without vital signs, and despite CPR maneuvers being performed on the beach, resuscitation was unsuccessful.''

The statement continued:

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''Due to recent aquatic incidents in Playa Negra, we had redirected resources there and to Chiquita, another iconic beach known for its strong currents. We do everything within our reach. We have saved numerous lives in recent years, and if Caribbean Guard didn’t exist, the number of drownings would be counted in dozens. We give everything we have to minimize the risks, but without help from the government, clear public policies, and strong support from local business owners, this will continue to happen.''

Warner died on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at age 54, and is survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.

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