Man who jumped into sea to save Malcolm-Jamal Warner now in critical condition at hospital

SAN ROSE, COSTA RICA: More details have emerged following the tragic drowning of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.

Authorities have now confirmed that a second individual involved in the same incident remains in critical condition after attempting to rescue Warner from a powerful ocean current.

Bystander who tried to rescue Malcolm-Jamal Warner remains in critical condition

Officials from Costa Rica's Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirmed Tuesday, July 22, that another person, who was on the beach at the time of the incident, entered the water to save Warner.

The individual, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

A spokesperson for The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) told PEOPLE that the second victim “came in [the water] to help Mr Warner” after witnessing the actor being swept away by a current.

Authorities also confirmed that the individual had no personal connection to Warner.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner died from accidental drowning while on vacation with family

OIJ informed that Malcolm-Jamal Warner “was apparently swept away by a current” after entering the ocean. Bystanders rushed to his aid, pulling him from the water and beginning emergency resuscitation efforts before emergency personnel arrived.

A spokesperson for the Costa Rican Red Cross confirmed that paramedics “performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the patient for more than 20 minutes, but without successful results.” Warner was declared dead on the beach.

The actor's body was taken to the judicial morgue in San Joaquin de Flores, where an autopsy confirmed that Warner died from accidental asphyxiation by submersion. His remains were formally identified by the Costa Rican National Police. Arrangements for his repatriation are being handled by a funeral service company authorized by his family.

Warner had been vacationing with his wife and daughter at the time of the accident.

Hollywood remembers Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy following his sudden death

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues who remembered him for his warmth, talent, and lasting impact on television.

Tracee Ellis Ross, who played Warner’s on-screen wife in BET’s 'Reed Between the Lines' (2011–2015), wrote on Instagram: “I love you, Malcolm. 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.”

She continued, “What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place.”

Actor and comedian Eddie Griffin, who starred alongside Warner in the 1990s sitcom 'Malcolm & Eddie', also shared a deeply personal tribute: “My heart is heavy today. For what the world lost was a Father a Son a Poet a Musician a Actor a Teacher a Writer a Director a Friend a Warrior… Rest Well My Big little Brother.”

Warner’s career extended well beyond 'The Cosby Show', including roles in 'The Resident', voice work on 'The Magic School Bus', and multiple directing and producing credits. His legacy as a thoughtful artist and a groundbreaking figure in television remains etched in the memories of those who worked with him and watched him grow on screen.