Cahuita, Costa Rica — The investigation into the tragic drowning of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has taken an unexpected turn nearly three weeks after his untimely death. Warner, best known for his role in “The Cosby Show,” drowned on July 20 while spending time at a beach in Costa Rica.

Initial reports indicated that the 54-year-old actor and his eight-year-old daughter were caught in a rip current while swimming. Witnesses claimed surfers quickly intervened to aid them. However, a recent statement from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) has changed the narrative, clarifying that Warner’s daughter was not in the water when he drowned. Instead, she was playing on the shore while Warner and a friend ventured into the ocean.

The OIJ described the events leading to Warner’s drowning, stating that he and his companion were swept away by a strong current after he had left his daughter safely on the beach. While his friend managed to escape, Warner was reportedly pulled from the water by bystanders but was unresponsive when Red Cross officials arrived. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Contradicting the OIJ’s account, Elberth León, Chief of the Tourist Police for the Atlantic Region, maintains that he witnessed Warner attempting to rescue his daughter and insists she was in the water at the time. “I know what I saw,” León remarked, defending his observations against the official position. He further noted that the girl had been treated on site by Red Cross personnel and did not require further medical attention.

The discrepancy between León’s account and the OIJ’s finding has sparked confusion, with questions arising about why the official investigation stated otherwise. The OIJ reaffirmed its stance, despite inquiries from media representatives. Meanwhile, several witnesses described a chaotic scene, with additional accounts suggesting that a surfer used his board to escort Warner’s daughter to safety.

Warner’s death was attributed to asphyxia caused by drowning, and he received 45 minutes of CPR before being declared deceased. Eyewitnesses recounted how quickly the situation deteriorated on that fateful day at Playa Cocles, a popular tourist destination known for its powerful surf.

Following the incident, lifeguards from Playa Grande issued a public statement emphasizing their absence at the scene due to limited resources, expressing their condolences while highlighting the dangers presented by the beach’s conditions. They urged government officials to allocate more resources to prevent similar tragedies.

Warner had been enjoying his time in Costa Rica since July 13, relishing moments away from the public eye alongside his family. Known for his powerful portrayal of Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” he became a household name during his run from 1984 to 1992.

Beyond his formative years on television, Warner built a diverse career that included roles in “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Reed Between the Lines,” and various guest appearances on acclaimed series like “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His contributions to the industry, from comedy to drama, have left a lasting impression on fans and peers alike.

As investigations continue, the circumstances surrounding Warner’s passing reveal the complexities and dangers of ocean activities, especially in areas prone to strong currents. The community reflects on this loss, advocating for enhanced safety measures to protect beachgoers and prevent future tragedies.