'RHOSLC' star Mary Cosby's son Robert dies at 23
Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, has died, police confirmed.
Robert Cosby Jr. died Monday, Feb. 23, Salt Lake City Police Department public information officer Sgt. Greg Wilking confirmed to USA TODAY in a phone call Wednesday, Feb. 25. TMZ was the first to report the news.
"Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," Mary Cosby told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday. "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."
Mary Cosby has been a principal cast member on the Bravo series for several years, forming part of the backbone of the original cast. She stepped away for the third season before later returning.
"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary's beloved son, Robert Jr.," Bravo said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday. "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. cause of death
A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Salt Lake City police said the investigation into Cosby's death remains active, revealing that authorities responded to an overdose call on Monday and that the death has now been passed to the medical examiner's office.
Andy Cohen mourns Robert Cosby Jr. death
Andy Cohen, an executive producer on "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," spoke out on Cosby Jr.'s death in a Threads post Wednesday.
"Devastatingly sad news out of [Salt Lake City]," Cohen 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."
Mary Cosby son addiction was addressed on 'RHOSLC'
Robert Cosby Jr. has been featured several times on "RHOSLC," including in a candid and emotional conversation he had with his mother over his substance abuse issues.
Cosby Jr., who Mary Cosby described as a high-achieving, straight-A student growing up, told his mother he had been taking Xanax, along with a slew of other drugs, since he was 16.
"I won't judge you. I can try to help you, but you have to help yourself because I'm not going to support it," a tearful Mary Cosby told her son. "You know I'm not."
"I just feel very disappointed with myself," she added in a confessional interview. "I feel like I let him down somewhere. I do know that Robert did smoke weed. I do know he would eat edibles, but yet I just trusted him in my mind, thinking that's where he would stop. And I was clearly wrong."
The 23-year-old is the only child of Mary and Robert Cosby Sr., who wed in 1998. The senior Cosby was previously married to Mary's grandmother, a subject of much speculation on and off the show.
Mary, whose conversation with Cosby Jr. was lauded when it aired, for its tenderness, has stood by him in recent years, speaking openly about his struggles.
"I can just only push him, encourage him and love him. And that's what I'm doing," she said during an appearance on SiriusXM’s "Reality Checked" in September. "I have hope and I believe in him. ... I know he's got all the tools and he's got all the will, the willpower that he needs and the support."
Robert Cosby Jr.'s secret marriage and divorce
Cosby Jr. reportedly married girlfriend Alexiana Smokoff in August 2022 after the couple eloped in a courthouse ceremony, per TMZ.
He broke the marital news to Mary Cosby during the Season 4 premiere of "RHOSLC" in 2023 after Mary heard rumors of Cosby Jr.'s marriage.
Although the "Real Housewives" star previously recalled Cosby Jr. and Smokoff getting dressed up and "rushing to go do something," she didn't piece together her son's wedding plans. "They both live in my house, but I don’t see them much," Mary Cosby said, per People magazine. “We kind of have our own wings."
However, in November, Smokoff filed for divorce after three years of marriage, according to TMZ and People magazine.
Robert Cosby Jr. arrested months before death
Cosby Jr. also had his fair share of legal troubles, including a 2022 DUI arrest, according to People magazine. He reportedly pleaded guilty to the offense in exchange for his other charges being dropped.
In September, Cosby Jr. was arrested on multiple charges, among them criminal trespassing and assault, after an alleged incident at his father-in-law's home, per People. Mary Cosby later told the magazine that Cosby Jr. and Smokoff had snuck out to be together after Smokoff was "moved out" of Mary's home, prompting Smokoff's parents to report Cosby Jr. for trespassing.
"It hurt me at the time. I was devastated, I was worried, I was scared," Mary Cosby said. "But some things happen for a reason to show you the path you're on. I feel like he needed that and that he understands that that's the wrong journey."
Cosby Jr. was reportedly arrested again in November for violating a pretrial protective order, according to People magazine. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and ordered to remain in custody until his sentencing in February.
This story has been updated to add new information.
If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).