A physician vacationing in Costa Rica has opened up for the first time about the tragic drowning of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, offering chilling details of what unfolded that day at Playa Grande.
Speaking anonymously with Us Weekly, the doctor said the beach was nearly empty due to rough sea conditions when he suddenly heard screams. “I was about 200 meters from the incident … There were very few people on the beach, and the sea was rough,” he shared. Acting quickly, he grabbed his surfboard and paddled into the dangerous rip current.
After navigating choppy waves for several minutes, he noticed a shadow beneath the water. “After a few minutes, I saw a shadow, dove down and pulled the person out,” he recalled. It was Warner. The doctor fought against the current to bring him back to shore, but Warner had no vital signs by the time they reached land.
Two tourists who identified themselves as doctors and nearby first responders rushed over. They began administering CPR while the Costa Rican Red Cross arrived with medical equipment, including a defibrillator. Despite their efforts, Warner could not be revived. He was declared dead at the scene at age 54.
A second man who had tried to assist was pulled from the water in critical condition but survived after receiving medical care at a local clinic.
Confusion initially surrounded Warner’s final moments, but reports later confirmed he had entered the water with a friend while his daughter remained safely onshore. The friend made it out. Warner did not.
Playa Grande is known for its powerful rip currents and has seen multiple incidents over the years. The beach does not always have lifeguards on duty, which has raised concerns following Warner’s death.
“People involved in rescues like this carry that weight. It takes time to heal,” the doctor told Us Weekly, reflecting on the emotional toll of the experience.
Sad, sad, sad times.