Robert Cosby Jr., son of Mary M. Cosby of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has died. He was 23.
The RHOSLC star confirmed the news on social media, saying, “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord.”
“Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace,” she continued. “We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen posted a message on Threads, “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”
According to TMZ, Cosby Jr. died Monday in Utah after police responded to a call for a “full arrest/medical emergency” following a possible overdose.
Mary M. Cosby and Robert Cosby Jr. had been open on the Bravo series about his problems with substance abuse. In a Season 5 episode, Cosby Jr. confessed to taking Xanax to “chill me out” and also Adderall “to balance out the Xanax.”
In the same scene, Cosby Jr. opened up about having started at the age of 16, and after going to a party, someone gave him an Xanax, and he started with other substances like acid, “Molly,” and cocaine.
Talking to his mother, Cosby Jr. talked about depression and had ideations of self-harm, saying, “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.” Mary M. Cosby then tells him, “You have to know I love you more than anything, more than anything in this world. I think I love you more than dad — don’t ever tell I said that. But you’re my friend, you’re my son, you’re my gift. God gave you to me. You’re the only thing that ever made me happy. Before I had you I was never happy. You came, and you were so real. You was everything I hoped her in a person.”
On November 25, 2025, Cosby Jr. pleaded guilty to eight charges that included assault and trespassing following incidents with his estranged wife and father-in-law. Cosby Jr. was released from jail earlier this month after serving two months.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
