Regina King 'sending prayers filled with love' to ex Malcolm-Jamal Warner's family

Regina King is "sending prayers filled with love" to the family of her ex-partner Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

The 54-year-old, who was best known for playing Theodore Huxtable in The Cosby Show, passed away on Sunday after drowning while on a family holiday in Costa Rica.

His death has sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood, with tributes pouring in from countless celebrities.

Oscar-winning actress King, who dated Warner between 2011 and 2013, added a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram Stories on Monday.

"Some people leave a lasting imprint, not just for who they were but for the energy they carried. I'm sending prayers filled with love and understanding to your family and loved ones," she wrote. "Rest easy Malcolm-Jamal Warner."

The Watchmen actress also shared a picture of Warner on a motorbike with his hands up, and added, "Ride in power."

Meanwhile, Adam Sandler, who briefly played Smitty in The Cosby Show, reacted to the death of his co-star at the premiere of his movie Happy Gilmore 2 on Monday.

"Malcolm was so nice to me when I was on the show and we had such good times together," he told Entertainment Tonight. "We would take walks together, all of us and pick up food, talk, play basketball, hang out on the weekends, and go to parties together.

"He was so good to me as a person, and his mom was amazing... I'm just sending my love to the family. Malcolm is a true great person, hilarious, smart kid and meant a lot to America."

Following an inquiry by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) in Costa Rica, Warner's death was determined to have been caused by "accidental asphyxiation by submersion".

He is survived by his wife and daughter.