The death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner has been confirmed as accidental drowning, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Warner, 54, was pulled under by a strong rip current on last Sunday afternoon while swimming at Cocles Beach, a popular but often dangerous stretch of coastline near Puerto Viejo in the South Caribbean.
According to The Tico Times, the OIJ released autopsy findings on Tuesday, July 22 that confirmed the cause of death as asphyxia by submersion.
While scenic, Cocles Beach is said to be known locally for its strong rip currents and the tragedy has reignited concerns about water safety and calls for better signage and trained personnel on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.