Doctor recounts attempt to save Malcolm-Jamal Warner from drowning: ‘no vital signs’
The doctor tried to save the ‘Cosby Show’ actor from ‘rough’ waters on Costa Rica’s Playa Grande, a beach known for its rip currents and lack of lifeguards
The doctor who tried to save the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner from “rough” waters in Costa Rica last weekend has broken their silence.
The Cosby Show star, 54, died by drowning last Sunday after he and his 8-year-old daughter got caught in a rip tide. His daughter was rescued by a bystander. His death was ruled accidental, and the cause was confirmed as asphyxiation by submersion.
“There were very few people on the beach, and the sea was rough,” the holidaying doctor, who requested to remain anonymous, told Us Weekly, adding they were about 200 metres (660 feet) away at the time they heard people crying for help.
“I ran to the area and entered the sea with my surfboard, heading into the rip current toward the person being pointed at by some beachgoers. After a few minutes, I saw a shadow, dove down and pulled the person out.”
He spotted another Good Samaritan, who tried to assist “without any rescue equipment” lying on the shore and trying to breathe.
“Immediately, [first responders] began providing first aid to Malcolm, but he had no vital signs,” the doctor said. “Two tourists ran over to help. They identified themselves as doctors, making a total of three physicians at the scene.”