Mary Cosby’s son Robert Cosby Jr. passes away at 23 in suspected overdose

TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction.

Robert Cosby Jr., the son of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' star Mary Cosby, has sadly passed away. He was 23.


Authorities confirmed to TMZ that Salt Lake City police responded Monday night to a call regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” involving a 23-year-old man in Utah. Three units of fire and paramedics were dispatched to the residence. However, upon arrival, the medical emergency turned into a death investigation.

Robert Cosby Jr. dies in 'possible overdose'

Although an official cause of death is still unknown, TMZ reports that authorities acknowledged that they initially responded to a 'possible overdose'.

Mary Cosby releases statement on son's death

Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a joint statement to the media that read, “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 Cosby Jr's death comes after wife files for divorce

Robert secretly married Alexiana Smokoff back in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse. News of his death also comes a couple of months after his wife reportedly filed for divorce.

Robert Cosby Jr opens up on substance abuse

Robert Jr. had appeared on several episodes of 'RHOSLC' over the years. In recent seasons, the show also addressed his battle with addiction and suicidal ideation. At the time, he revealed that he began experimenting with prescription medications and recreational drugs since he was 16 after trying the anxiety medication Xanax at a party. He also shared that he had been abusing other prescription drugs, including the ADHD medication Adderall and the opioid painkiller OxyContin, taking as many as 10 at once. "I couldn't even feel it,” he recalled. “I couldn't feel it at all.”

Robert Cosby Jr completes rehab

In December 2024, Mary shared that her son had completed a month-long stay in rehabilitation. “He completed it. He did an excellent job. He came out a new person,” Mary said.

News of Robert Jr's demise comes after a tough year. He faced legal issues when he was arrested in Utah in September on charges including trespassing and assault. In 2022, he was arrested for driving under the influence and later pleaded guilty.

'RHOSLC' producers on Robert's demise

Executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise and host of Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen, reacted to the news on social media, 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.”


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