NEED TO KNOW
Robert Cosby Jr., 23, the only son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, was found dead on February 23 after Salt Lake City police responded to a call for a possible overdose; the cause of death remains under investigation.
Robert had been open about his struggles with addiction on RHOSLC, including a raw on-camera conversation with his mother where he admitted to using Xanax, cocaine, Adderall, acid, and molly starting at age 16.
His death comes less than three weeks after he was released from jail after pleading guilty to assault and violating a protective order.
Robert Cosby Jr. is dead. The only son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby was 23 years old.
Salt Lake City police confirmed that officers responded to a “possible overdose” on February 23, and on the scene, they found Robert Cosby Jr. dead. He was found at a home in the upper Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City — property records indicate the home belongs to Mary Cosby. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, as the medical examiner’s investigation remains ongoing.
Mary Cosby broke her silence Wednesday on Instagram, where she and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a joint statement. “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. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow,” the couple wrote.
The Bravo universe responded quickly and with grief. Andy Cohen, the network’s executive producer and the unquestioned shepherd of the Real Housewives franchise, posted on Threads within hours. “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,” he wrote. “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.”
Bravo itself also released a 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 Cosby Jr. had become one of the more memorable presences to orbit the RHOSLC orbit — not by choice, but by circumstance. During the show’s fifth season, Mary and Robert Jr. had a long, honest conversation about his drug usage that resonated deeply with viewers. On camera, he disclosed that he started at the age of 16, after going to a party where someone gave him a Xanax, and he then began experimenting with other substances, including acid, “Molly,” and cocaine.
The moment cut through in a way that reality TV rarely manages. Talking to his mother, he spoke about depression and ideations of self-harm, saying, “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.” Mary’s response was unscripted and raw: “You have to know I love you more than anything, more than anything in this world… You’re my friend, you’re my son, you’re my gift. God gave you to me.”
Mary later told The Hollywood Reporter that none of it had been planned. “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.”
Mary confirmed that her son had completed a rehab program, saying during a Watch What Happens Live appearance, “He did an excellent job. He came out a new person.” But the road back proved far more complicated.
On one of the show’s January reunion episodes, Mary Cosby told host Andy Cohen that her son was in jail at the time of the show’s December taping. “I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,” she tearfully said. “At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn, and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it.” Her voice broke as she added, “It’s just — just … you don’t want to see your kid suffer.”
Robert Cosby Jr. was released from jail on February 4 after pleading guilty in November to a misdemeanor charge of violating a pretrial order in a domestic violence case. His passing comes only a couple of months after his wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce.
Just over two weeks before his death, Mary posted what now reads as a heartbreaking tribute. On February 7, 2026, she wrote on Instagram: “#godfirst Love you all My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm.”
Mary Cosby debuted as an original cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City in 2020 and has since become one of Bravo’s most compelling figures — equal parts preacher, businesswoman, and mother who refused to let the camera look away from her family’s most difficult moments. That transparency came at enormous personal cost. Robert Cosby Jr. was 23.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7.
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