Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr. Dead at 23; 911 Audio Describes Overdose Response
mary cosby’s only son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died at age 23, his parents said, and police in Salt Lake City found him after responding to a reported overdose. In a joint statement, Mary Cosby and Robert Sr. wrote, "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. "
911 audio: "Not conscious, not breathing"
Emergency dispatch audio released in the wake of the death captured a dispatcher saying, "23-year-old male, not conscious, not breathing. One dose of Narcan has been given. " The dispatcher added, "Police have been called. Three units in route. " A Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson said officers found Robert dead after responding to what began as an overdose call and became a death investigation. Authorities confirmed they responded to the call at 6: 14 p. m., and fire and paramedics were dispatched to the scene.
Officials confirm death and medical examiner probe
Police shared that Robert Cosby Jr. was found dead on Feb. 23. The Salt Lake City Police Department said the response initially involved an overdose report and that the medical examiner is investigating the cause of death. The police noted the situation shifted into a death investigation after their arrival.
Mary Cosby reacts and public condolences
Mary Cosby and her husband issued the joint statement mourning their son. Television host Andy Cohen posted a message on Threads offering condolences, 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. " Mary’s representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Legal troubles, rehab and recent jail time
Robert had a history of legal problems that featured in the reality series in which his mother appears. He had been arrested in Utah in September on allegations that included trespassing and assault. He had previously been arrested for DUI in 2022, pleaded guilty to that charge, and was released from custody in February. Court documents show he had faced 14 charges and pleaded guilty to eight in December, including felony property damage or destruction, violation of a pretrial protective order obtained by his estranged wife, Alexiana Arian Smokoff, 21, and criminal trespass on a dwelling with intent to cause annoyance, injury, or fear.
Marriage, divorce filing and on-screen storylines
Robert married Alexiana Smokoff in an August 2022 Utah courthouse ceremony that played out on the show's fourth season. Alexiana later filed for divorce. The couple's alleged struggles with drugs also featured on the series; the alleged problems were part of Mary's storyline and resurfaced in Season 6, which was filmed in early 2025. During that season and at the reunion, Robert spoke openly about his sobriety struggles, saying he was "at a standstill" after completing a 30-day rehab stint. A later relapse was shown after an arrest in November for allegedly violating a restraining order filed by Smokoff's family.
Friends, family and last public posts
After his return home from jail, Mary posted a photo of her son on Instagram on Feb. 7, writing, "Love you all. My beautiful son.. I love him sm. " His attorney, Clayton Simms, had said Robert's release from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months allowed him to "sober up and start thinking clearly, " and that Robert was trying to move forward after the dissolution of his marriage.
Mary has spoken publicly about staying in daily contact with her son while he was incarcerated, saying she called him every day but could not bring herself to visit him behind glass. "I don't want to look at my child behind a glass, " she said, and added that she was urging him to change and to see the experience as part of a path to recovery.
The medical examiner's investigation into the cause of death remains underway and law enforcement continues its death investigation. Officials have confirmed the basic sequence of emergency response and the family’s statement; further findings are pending release by investigators and the medical examiner.
