‘Real Housewives' star Mary Cosby's son dies: Robert Jr. was 23

Robert Cosby Jr., the only son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23. 

Salt Lake City police responded to his home on Monday night following a call for a "full arrest/medical emergency," and fire and paramedic units were also dispatched. 

Authorities have confirmed the call turned into a death investigation, with a possible overdose suspected, though an official cause of death has not yet been established.

Mary Cosby reacts to son Robert Jr.'s death 

In her first public words since the tragedy, Mary broke her silence with a heartfelt statement to TMZ. 

"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."

Robert Jr.'s death: Mary Cosby's Bravo castmates reactions:

Those close to the family and across the Bravo community were quick to respond. 

Andy Cohen, the network's long-time executive and host, wrote 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." 

Fellow Bravolebrities including Kyle Richards, Bozoma Saint John, and Gretchen Rossi also shared their condolences.

Robert Jr. had substance abuse issues 

What makes the news all the more painful is how publicly Robert had been fighting to turn his life around. 

Born in 2003, he appeared on RHOSLC across several seasons, most notably during Season 4 when cameras captured Mary discovering that her son had secretly married Alexiana Smokoff at a Utah courthouse in August 2022, a moment she described with a mixture of disbelief and dark humour. 

The marriage was turbulent. 

Robert's struggles with substance abuse became a central part of Mary's storyline on the series. 

In November 2024, in a candid moment filmed for the show, Robert opened up to his mother about his drug use, which included prescription medications such as Adderall and OxyContin, as well as heroin. 

He also revealed he had experienced suicidal thoughts. 

"I felt like a stain, I just felt like this world wasn't for me. You're the only reason I didn't kill myself," he told Mary during that conversation.

He sought help shortly after. 

Mary updated fans in December 2024, telling Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that Robert had completed a month-long stint in rehab. 

He stayed for a month, completed the programme, and his mother said at the time that he came out feeling like a new person.

But the road ahead remained rocky. 

Robert was arrested in September 2024 on a number of charges including trespassing and assault, adding to a prior DUI conviction from 2022. 

He spent two months in Salt Lake County Metro Jail after violating a pretrial protective order against Alexiana, who filed for divorce in November 2025. 

His divorce was finalised in January. 

His lawyer, Clayton Simms, had spoken warmly of Robert's state of mind following his release on 3rd February, saying that his time in jail "allowed him to sober up and start thinking clearly" and that "he's looking forward to doing positive things."

The release felt, briefly, like a new chapter. 

Robert Jr.'s last post:

Mary posted a photo celebrating his return home on 7th February, writing "#godfirst Love you all My Beautiful Son. I love him sm." 

It was his last post.

Robert Cosby Jr. was 23 years old. 

As part of his probation terms, he had been ordered to complete 75 hours of community service alongside substance abuse and anger management classes. 

He leaves behind his parents, Mary and Robert Cosby Sr., who have been married for 27 years.