Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died in what appears to be a drug overdose—just weeks after his release from jail and months after his mother celebrated his "new person" transformation following rehab.
In a heartbreaking statement to TheEntBase, Mary Cosby, 53, and husband Robert Cosby Sr. shared: "Our dear son Robert Jr. has been welcomed into the Lord's embrace. While our hearts are heavy, we find solace in God's assurance and the knowledge that he is now at rest. We appreciate your prayers and rely on the Lord's strength during this sorrowful period."
Bravo, which documented Robert Jr.'s addiction struggles across multiple seasons of RHOSLC, responded: "We are devastated by the news of Robert Jr.'s passing. Mary is a valued member of our Bravo family, and we extend our heartfelt thoughts, love, and condolences to her and her loved ones in this profoundly difficult time."
While official details remain scarce, TMZ reports Robert Jr. died Monday in Utah. PEOPLE reveals local authorities responded earlier this week to a call about a "possible overdose" and "full arrest/medical emergency"—a tragic turn for a young man whose mother told Andy Cohen in December 2024 that he'd completed rehab and emerged "a new person."
Meredith Marks and Mary Cosby on the 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' season 6 reunion. Bravo
TheEntBase has reached out to Salt Lake City police for confirmation.
Robert Jr.'s death comes after a very public battle with addiction that played out on national television. In one of the most gut-wrenching RHOSLC moments ever aired, Robert Jr. told his mother during season 6: "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."
Mary responded through tears: "You know how that would kill me?"
The reality star's son had been in and out of trouble with the law, most recently serving two months in Salt Lake County Metro Jail for repeatedly violating a restraining order by visiting his ex-wife's house. "Every time he'd go back over there, they'd call the police," Mary explained during the season 6 reunion. "This time, they tased him."
In a chilling foreshadowing, Mary told host Andy Cohen: "I'm happy. I'm in a good place, I'm not worried about him, I know he's in a place where he's not using... I'd rather him be there than dead."
Robert Jr. was released on February 3. Just days later, Mary posted a photo of her son on Instagram with the caption: "Love you all. My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm."
The tragedy highlights the brutal reality of addiction, even for families in the public eye. Mary Cosby—who leads Salt Lake City's Faith Temple Pentecostal Church when not filming RHOSLC—had been open about her son's struggles since joining the Bravo franchise in 2020.
This story is developing.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges with substance abuse, please reach out to the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
