Regina King mourns ex Malcolm-Jamal Warner after sudden drowning death in Costa Rica: 'Ride in power'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Regina King is grieving the loss of her former partner, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who died in a tragic drowning accident while vacationing in Costa Rica on Sunday, July 20.

The Oscar-winning actress shared a heartfelt tribute to the late 'The Cosby Show' star just one day after his death was confirmed.

Regina King shares touching tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, 54, reportedly drowned while swimming during a family trip. His cause of death was ruled as asphyxia due to accidental drowning.

'If Beale Street Could Talk' actress Regina King took to Instagram Stories to honor Warner. “Some people leave a lasting imprint, not just for who they were but for the energy they carried,” King wrote, alongside a photo of Warner riding a motorcycle.

“I’m sending prayers filled with love and understanding to your family and loved ones,” she continued. “Rest easy Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” said King. 

The 'Watchmen' actress also shared another picture of Warner standing on a motorcycle with his hand raised. “Ride in power,” she added.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Regina King's relationship history

Regina King and Malcolm-Jamal Warner dated from 2011 to 2013 but had known each other since the 1980s, when he starred in 'The Cosby Show' and she appeared on the NBC sitcom '227.'

“Malcolm and I have a lot in common,” King told Essence in January 2011. “We’ve both been child actors and were also blessed to be raised by incredible mothers who instilled good values in us. Things are maturing nicely,” she shared.

Warner also spoke about their relationship that same year, telling BET: “We like to protect what we have because it’s very special and very precious… But I will say that it’s a relationship that makes all the sense in the world.”

Their romance ended after two years, with reports claiming that Warner abruptly ended the relationship, forcing King and her son, Ian Alexander Jr, to move out of their shared home.

King’s son, whom she shared with ex-husband Ian Alexander Sr, died by suicide in January 2022 at the age of 26.  

Regina King recalls painful breakup with Malcolm-Jamal Warner

In March 2013, Regina King dismissed rumors of conflict, writing on Twitter: “Hey everybody PLEASE don’t believe everything you read. Me & MalcolmJamalWar are good. Life happens. Forward motion. Godspeed,” she said.

Two years later, she hinted at a painful breakup. “Someone broke up with me on Valentine’s. Yeah. I’m serious,” King told Us Weekly.

“Then he actually sent me flowers that said, ‘I still love you,’ and I threw the flowers in the trash, and he was upset that I threw them in the trash, and I was like, ‘F***k you,’” she added.

While King did not mention Malcolm-Jamal Warner by name, she said people would “know” who it was.

Before dating King, Warner had relationships with actress Michelle Thomas, who died from a desmoplastic tumor in 1998 at the age of 30, and actress Karen Malina White, whom he dated from 2000 to 2007.

'The Cosby Show' cast members remember Malcolm-Jamal Warner as 'source of inspiration'

Malcom-Jamal Warner's 'The Cosby Show' castmates are remembering the former child star following his tragic death.

Bill Cosby said his death "reminded him of the same call he received when his son died.”

Raven-Symone posted an Instagram Reel, sharing: “Words cannot describe the pain and sadness and surprise I feel.”

She added, “My heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother. He gave the best advice. He gave the best hugs.”

Karen Malina White, who played Charmaine Brown on The Cosby Show and its spin-offs—and who dated Warner for seven years beginning in the late 1990s—wrote on Instagram: “What a profound Karmic Relationship my friend. Thank you. 🙇🏽‍♀️ Until we meet again ❤️ Love you Always in All Ways 😉 My deepest condolences to Pam Warner, his wife and daughter. 🙏🏾💔.”

Gary LeRoi Gray, who played Nelson Tibideaux, shared a heartfelt tribute to Warner on Instagram. He described Warner as “mythical” and “the real deal.” 

“One of the good ones — as cliche as that has unfortunately become these days,” he wrote in part of a lengthy post recounting a recent run-in with Warner.

“I know you were excited about the same things I am excited about now. Being a new father. Marriage. I am in pain for your children and wife,” he added.

Chris and Clayton Griggs, who portrayed a younger Nelson Tibideaux for just over a year, shared a photo from a meetup with Warner.

“Still trying to process that you’re gone in the physical! Brother Malcolm-Jamal Warner was so much more than a legend to us—he was family. A true friend, a mentor, and a constant source of inspiration.🔮”

They continued, “We give thanks for the wonderful conversations, time, and the love you showed us. Seeing you wear our brand tee while sharing poetry that moves us so profoundly is a reminder of just how incredible you are. Thank you for being you! Rest easy, King. Your words, your work, and your spirit live on.🙏🏾🥹🕊️.”