Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s body has been released to his family, a representative for Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) confirms to Us Weekly.
“The body would be collected by a funeral home contracted and authorized by the family,” the OIJ said, noting Warner’s body was released early on Wednesday, July 23.
Warner died three days earlier on Sunday, July 20, and his death was ruled as asphyxia due to submersion. He drowned while swimming, and Costa Rican medical examiners confirmed that his death was accidental.
The Cosby Show alum, who is survived by his wife and daughter, had been vacationing in Costa Rica. Volunteer lifeguard Mike Geist told Us that Warner participated in a group surf lesson earlier on Sunday.
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“They had a good surf lesson,” Geist exclusively told Us on Tuesday, July 22. “After the surf lesson, I think they stayed on the beach for a while and then decided to get back in the water.”
According to Geist, Malcolm and several other participants were in “distress” after they went swimming after the lesson ended.
“The three of them were able to get out with some help,” Geist added. “Another person that was on the beach with a boogie board went out to go and look for Malcolm because they learned there was a fourth person.”
While the other individuals were rescued, Warner had been found submerged underneath the water.
“[A doctor] pulled him to the surface and did exactly what he was supposed to do,” Geist told Us. “[He] gave him five emergency breaths — which is always our best chance of bringing someone back — when he got him above the water and then was able to bring him into shore quickly where they started CPR.”
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He continued, “They continued CPR for, I believe, 30 minutes or longer. The resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.”
Warner was an actor best known for his roles on The Cosby Show, Malcolm & Eddie, The Resident and, most recently, a four-episode arc on ABC’s 9-1-1 last year.
“I will be able to leave this earth knowing and people knowing that I was a good person,” Warner reflected on his legacy during a May appearance on the “Hot and Bothered” podcast. “[My dad] said to me often, ‘You know people love you, and people [are] always talking about your career and your success and all of that, but what really makes me the most proud is that you are a good person.’”
