Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Mother Shares ‘Painful’ Reaction to His Death at 54 in Costa Rica

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother screamed ‘from the bottom of [her] soul’ when she learned of her son’s death.

The actor passed away in July, aged 54, after drowning while on a trip in Costa Rica, and Malcolm’s mom, Pamela Warner, has now revealed how she responded to the tragedy.

During an appearance on Good Morning America, Pamela shared: ‘[My scream came] from the bottom of my soul. 

‘And what came up and what came out was huge – it was an indescribable pain that resonated throughout my body.’

Pamela revealed that Malcolm’s daughter and his wife, Tenisha, are still ‘both in deep grief’ following his passing.

Pamela explained: ‘Children process differently. She watched them try to resuscitate him, so she saw that, and I know that’s awfully, awfully traumatic.

‘She loved her father dearly. She adored papa — he was papa.’

Pamela denied suggestions that Malcolm’s daughter was in the water when he passed away.

Pamela said: ‘She was not in the water. He was with another gentleman.

‘They were in the water, I think maybe chest deep, even at that — maybe waist deep. There was an undertow, and my son was not an experienced swimmer. He did not know how to deal with an undertow.’

No lifeguards were present, and officials noted the drowning occurred very rapidly.

His official cause of death was listed as asphyxiation by submersion.

Pamela also explained that the actor – who was best known for playing Theodore Huxtable on The Cosby Show – was in Costa Rica because of his daughter’s schooling.

She said: ‘His wife and daughter had been in Costa Rica three weeks prior. She is homeschooled, and this was part of an immersion program.’ 

Pamela previously took to social media to address her son’s passing, revealing that he ‘did not suffer’ and that he was ‘at peace’.

She wrote on Instagram: ‘For those of you who are at a loss, pained by the suddenness of his departure, ache for his presence or just to hear his voice one more time, to see his beatific smile one more time, be comforted that he was at peace and more importantly, he did not suffer.’  

Last month publicly for the first time since her son’s tragic death.

In her statement, Pamela reflected on the symbolism of water in her son’s life and death, writing: ‘Malcolm was birthed through water and transitioned through water. This was his time. His mission on earth had been completed.’

She also honored Malcolm-Jamal’s legacy, saying he left ‘an indelible mark on the world and on countless hearts’ and that ‘all who met him, however briefly, were better for the encounter.’

Pamela described her son as a ‘kind, loving man with a huge heart for humanity,’ committed to helping others recognize their ‘inner strength’ and potential for transformation.

She added: ‘This was his latest mission and work, transformation, in order for you to be fully present in your life.’

Pamela also praised Malcolm’s talents as an actor, musician, teacher, coach and business partner, noting his Grammy nominations and win.

She said: ‘Hold close to whatever part of Malcolm’s life that touched yours. In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive – nourishing you with the peace, love, joy and light that embodied Malcolm-Jamal Warner.’