Malcolm-Jamal Warner died on July 20, 2025, as a result of accidental drowning off the coast of Costa Rica. He was swimming at Playa Grande near Cahuita in the Limón province when a strong current pulled him into deeper water. Despite being rescued and brought back to shore, he showed no vital signs and was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia by submersion (drowning). Warner was not a strong swimmer and was caught unprepared by the undertow, while another man with him managed to save himself. The tragic incident happened during a family trip linked to his daughter's education immersion program, and his 8-year-old daughter witnessed efforts to resuscitate him.