Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known in his role as Theo Huxtable on the hit 80’s sitcom "The Cosby Show,” died in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.

The news of his death broke Monday afternoon, and the tributes have been pouring in on social media, with many fans saying this one hit close to home because many of them grew up watching him on "The Cosby Show."

Although he hadn’t lived in Jersey City for years, New Jersey still considers him one of its own.

According to officials in Costa Rica, Warner was on vacation with his family and drowned Sunday afternoon. They say he was swimming at a beach in Limon, Costa Rica, when he was pulled deeper into the ocean by a current.

According to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department, first responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him unresponsive after being rescued by people on the beach.

Reactions poured in from fans in his hometown of Jersey City, including from 31-year-old Malcolm-Jamal Plang, who was named after the actor and always hoped he’d get to meet him one day.

"I would have told him, 'Hey, I’m named after you,' and he’d be like, 'No way,' and I’d show him my driver's license, and we’d hit it off and have a laugh," Plang said. "It took me by surprise. He just seemed like a nice, kind guy. A lot of people grew up with his show."

In Journal Square, commuters also shared reactions to his death.

"He was multi-faceted. He was into everything podcasts... even after 'The Cosby Show,’ he continued to further his career and tried to open doors for others to follow, and I was really saddened," said one man.

Another commuter said this news reminds him to cherish every moment.

"It makes me sad because he died so young. I'm 38 years old. I can blink my eyes and tomorrow I'm in my 50s, so you have to hold on to these moments that you have today," they said.

Warner was born in Jersey City in 1970 and landed the role of Theo Huxtable at 13 years old. Most recently, he acted on "The Resident" and “911.”

Warner leaves behind a wife and a young daughter.