Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr. Dead at 23 After Overdose Call; Family and Cast React

mary cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died at 23 following an overdose call in Utah, the Salt Lake City police department confirmed. The response to the call, which came on Monday evening, turned into a death investigation; the medical examiner is now handling the inquiry. The development has prompted public statements from family members, fellow cast members and show leadership.

Mary Cosby statement and family reaction

Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., issued a statement saying their beloved son "has been called home to the Lord, " that their hearts ache, and that they take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. They added they are grateful for prayers and trust in the Lord to carry them through this time of sorrow. mary cosby also confirmed on Instagram that she is taking comfort in her son’s rest.

Police response and investigation details

Salt Lake City police officers responded to an overdose call at about 6: 14 p. m. on Monday, which subsequently became a death investigation. Officers who arrived at the scene found Robert Cosby Jr. had died. A medical examiner is investigating and the cause of death is not yet clear. Sgt. Greg Wilking, a public information officer for the Salt Lake City Police Department, described the initial response as an overdose call that evolved into a death investigation.

Robert Cosby Jr. ’s public struggles and on‑camera moments

Robert Cosby Jr. had appeared alongside his mother on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and spoke candidly on camera about his mental‑health struggles and substance abuse. He discussed beginning drug use at 16 and named substances in public conversations that include Xanax, acid, Molly and cocaine; in other remarks he also referenced Adderall. He described a period when he wanted to die, and he spoke about depression, telling his mother that she was the only reason he did not kill himself.

Legal troubles, rehab and jail timeline

• Earlier seasons and recent episodes highlighted Robert’s relapse after attending rehab in 2024; Mary Cosby confirmed he had been in rehab and said in December that he "did an excellent job" and came out a new person.
• He faced multiple legal issues in the months before his death: incidents from September to November resulted in more than a dozen charges tied to violations of orders to stay away from his wife, Alexiana Smokoff.
• He was held in Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex‑wife, Alexiana Smokoff.
• He pleaded guilty in December to assault and violating a protective order; other coverage of the case noted he pleaded guilty that month to eight charges including assault and trespassing.
• He served roughly two months in jail and was released earlier this month; in early February he and his mother marked his release on Instagram, with Mary posting a thank you for prayers and saying "Love you. "

Industry and cast responses

Show leadership released a statement expressing heartbreak at Robert Jr. ’s passing and offering condolences to Mary Cosby and her family. Andy Cohen expressed that the news was devastatingly sad and said his heart was broken for Mary and Robert Sr., offering his love to the family. Numerous cast members and personalities posted condolences: Whitney Rose reacted with a broken‑heart emoji, Lisa Barlow sent prayers, and Heather Gay also shared reactions under Mary’s public statement.

Related notes in recent coverage

Recent seasons of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City commonly focused on Robert Cosby Jr. ’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health. Mary Cosby has described her son on camera as the child she called "the perfect child, " noting his intelligence and drive and expressing that she was trying to reach that version of him. During the Season Six reunion, which aired Jan. 20, Mary publicly expressed concern for his well‑being and said at the time she feared he might die.

One item of related, contemporaneous coverage noted that comedian Martin Short postponed upcoming shows after his daughter, L. A. social worker Katherine Short, was found dead at 42.

These developments are under active investigation and details may evolve as the medical examiner completes its review.