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 approximately 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 shared 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’s cast in season one. During season five of the reality show, Robert spoke about his addiction in a conversation with Mary.
It was a standout moment from the wider Real Housewives franchise, where he told his mother about his substance abuse problems. In the scene, Robert explained that he began taking drugs at 16, including Xanax, acid, Molly and cocaine.
“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?”
During the season six reunion of RHOSLC, which aired on 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 that her son attended a rehab program during a Watch What Happens Live appearance. “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 2025. “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 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.”
