‘Cosby Show’ Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies at 54

The actor, who rose to prominence as a child star in the beloved show, passed away while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. New details surrounding his death have emerged.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s family and loved ones are mourning the sudden passing of the actor after a drowning accident in Costa Rica. According to local authorities, the 54-year-old was pulled from the ocean by bystanders.

Unfortunately, by the time emergency services arrived, it was too late. In a statement to PEOPLE, the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Agency 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," the statement continued.

A Costa Rican Red Cross spokesperson also added that upon arrival, paramedics "performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation" on Warner for more than 20 minutes, but were unsuccessful. Authorities later confirmed that he "apparently died as a result of asphyxiation by submersion."

Warner rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show." The late star grew up on the sitcom, which successfully ran for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. He went on to star in several other TV shows, including "Malcolm & Eddie" and "Reed Between the Lines."

Warner opted to keep his personal life strictly out of the spotlight, but it is known that the actor was married and had a daughter, whose identities he kept private.