Robert Cosby Jr., the son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died. He was 23.
The Salt Lake City police department confirmed his death with The Hollywood Reporter. On Monday, police responded to an overdose call at about 6:14 p.m., noting that it then became a death investigation.
“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,” Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., shared in a statement with THR. “We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”
Bravo shared an additional statement: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son. Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Robert made appearances on the Salt Lake City-based Real Housewives series alongside his mother, who joined the show in season one. During season five, he spoke about his substance-abuse problems in a conversation with Mary, explaining that he began taking drugs, including Xanax, acid, Molly and cocaine, at 16.
“I wanted to die at the time,” Robert confessed during his conversation with Mary, to which she responded, “You know how that would kill me?”
It was a standout moment from the wider Real Housewives franchise.
During the season six reunion of RHOSLC, which aired Jan. 20, Mary revealed that Robert was in jail, relating to eight charges, including a violation of a protective order involving his wife, Alexiana Smokoff. Earlier in the season, she had opened up about Robert’s relapse after he attended rehab in 2024.
In December of that year, Mary confirmed during a Watch What Happens Live appearance that her son had been in rehab. “He did an excellent job. He came out a new person,” she said.
In early February, Robert celebrated his release from jail, as did Mary, with posts on Instagram. “Thank you all for your prayers,” the Housewife wrote on a photo of her son. “Love you.”
Following Robert’s candidness about his addiction on RHOSLC, Mary reacted to the outpouring of support she and her son received from viewers, telling The Hollywood Reporter that “my son and I didn’t even plan [to talk about that on camera].”
“The cameras started rolling, and he and I just started talking. He was shocking me and I was shocking him, and we were just being ourselves as if cameras wasn’t there,” she said in September. “To be able to get that reaction and feedback from people is mind-blowing. It’s humbling. It feels good. I’m glad I did it. I wouldn’t change anything.”
Bravo boss Andy Cohen shared his condolences on Threads on Wednesday, writing: “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.”
Mary’s RHOSLC co-stars and a plethora of Bravo personalities shared their condolences following the news. Under an Instagram post sharing her statement confirming Robert’s death, Heather Gay wrote, “There are no words big enough. We love you Mary.” Lisa Barlow commented a series of red heart emojis, while Whitney Rose added, “Sending you all my love Mary. So sorry for your loss.”
Clayton Simms, an attorney for the Cosby family, shared a statement with THR: “Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr. His untimely passing is hard to comprehend, and the Cosby’s are struggling to understand how someone so young and full of life could be gone so soon. Robert Jr.’s warm spirit, humor and kind heart will be missed.”
“A favorite bible passage of the Cosby family is Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, which touches upon the idea that human pursuits, pleasures and accomplishments are fleeting and futile without spiritual purpose,” Simms continued. “This loss is sudden, and the family asks for privacy during this difficult time.”
Feb. 25, 1:36 p.m. Updated with Heather Gay, Lisa Barlow, Whitney Rose and Clayton Simms’ respective statements.
